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Board approves tentative teachers contract after close union ratification vote
Summary
The Grand Rapids Area Schools board approved a two-year teachers contract after union negotiators reported a Jan. 20 membership ratification of 94'to'81. The agreement includes a one-time stipend in year one and a 2.25% base increase in year two, plus longevity and overload stipends.
The Grand Rapids Area Schools board on Wednesday approved a tentative 2025'27 teachers unit contract the district described as the product of professional, respectful bargaining.
Angela Boyd, president of the local teachers union, told the board the membership ratified the agreement on Jan. 20 by a final tally of 94 to 81 and stressed that protections for teacher time were a top priority. "The MOU on teacher time...gave our staff a genuine voice," Boyd said, thanking negotiators and district staff who helped clarify contract language.
Casey, speaking for administration, summarized the agreement's highlights: no base salary increase in year one (2025'26) but a one-time stipend (the district presented options of about $1,200 to $1,400 depending on employee election), a 2.25% base-salary increase in year two, a $200 longevity increase each year and small stipends for hybrid and overload teaching. "We had really great discussions, professional, respectful, and a lot of hard conversations as part of this settlement," Casey said.
Board members said the agreement was a necessary compromise after difficult negotiations. During public comment, Boyd praised the district's willingness to create a collaborative time committee as part of the negotiations, calling that change "something I am personally very excited about."
The board voted to approve the contract by voice vote. Next steps include final implementation details and coordination with payroll and human-resources staff. The contract covers the 2025'27 contract years and includes modest cost-of-living adjustments in the second year and recurring longevity changes.
