Cleveland Public School Board approves two‑year teachers' contract and noncertified agreements

Scott Miller, chair of the Cleveland Public School District board, said the board approved a two‑year Teachers' Master Agreement covering the 2025–26 and 2026–27 school years after lengthy negotiations over family‑leave language and pay adjustments.

The board’s package — described in discussion as producing increases in the “high sevens to low eights” percentage range for certified staff — was presented by the negotiating committee and approved following a motion and second. The board also approved corresponding noncertified work agreements aligned to the teachers’ contract. Board members said the agreements reflect efforts to bring salaries closer to regional averages.

Discussion at the meeting noted specific adjustments for noncertified staff: instead of a preferred flat $2 hourly increase for starting pay, the district implemented a 6% increase in the first year and 3% in the second year for many positions. Supporters said the percentage approach was chosen for budgetary sustainability.

The contracts include changes to leave and payout provisions. Board members explained a phased sunset for large lump‑sum payouts of accumulated sick or vacation leave: payouts will be distributed on a schedule once employees reach age 55 with 15 years in the district, instead of one large severance payment. The board said the change was prompted by several long‑service employees nearing maximum payout levels and the district’s desire to avoid simultaneous large liabilities.

The agreement was approved by motion; no formal roll‑call tally was recorded in the public transcript.

The board indicated the policy committee and administration coordinated with employee representatives during negotiations and thanked teachers and negotiators for their time. The contracts take effect for the two‑year period specified and will be implemented per the terms adopted by the board.