Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Labor Relations topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Governing Board approves 2025–26 interest‑based negotiations agreement: 2% across‑the‑board, targeted classroom increase and special‑ed referral stipend
Summary
The Tempe Elementary School District Governing Board on May 7 approved the 2025–26 interest‑based negotiations agreement, endorsing a proposed package that includes a 2 percent raise for employee groups, a $500 base increase for eligible certified staff, continued education increments and a targeted referral stipend for certain hires.
The Tempe Elementary School District Governing Board voted May 7 to adopt the 2025–26 interest‑based negotiations (IBN) agreement and the 2025–26 classroom site fund plan following a staff presentation summarizing the bargaining process and recommendations.
The district’s IBN team presented a package that staff described as balancing administrative feasibility and fiscal constraints. Highlights of the recommendation included a 2 percent increase for employee groups across the district; for certified teaching staff the package provides a 2 percent increase plus a $500 increase to base pay for those eligible for classroom site funds. The IBN team also recommended continuing educational increments for staff who pursue additional qualifications.
To address recruitment challenges for some roles, the team proposed a one‑year $2,500 referral stipend for certain hires in the 2025–26 school year, with parameters and exemptions (for example, administrators and some recruiters were identified as ineligible). Presenters emphasized the stipend will include qualifications and guardrails rather than an automatic payment.
On benefits, the district will continue three benefit plan options (a free/saver plan and two EPO options). The district plans to add vision coverage through VSP next school year and will continue parental leave benefits. The presentation noted a small reduction in the Arizona State Retirement System employer contribution rate (from 12.27% to 12.0%). Staff said increases to insurance costs would be absorbed by the district for employees; employees are not expected to pay additional premiums as a result of the changes discussed.
The agreement had strong support in the district ratification process: presenters cited about 97 percent approval in the staff ratification vote and 99.6 percent approval for the classroom site fund plan, both of which were shared with the board before the governing board vote. The board moved to approve the agreement and the classroom site fund plan; the motion passed by voice vote at the meeting.
Process note: after board approval the agreement moves to administrative implementation per the negotiated terms and the classroom site fund plan will be administered according to the plan language.
