JCPS teachers agree on contract extension with $2,000 stipend, no COLA increase

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — The Jefferson County Teachers Association voted to approve a deal extending its collective bargaining agreement through 2028.

Jefferson County Public Schools and the JCTA reached the deal last week, though some union members were split on the proposal.

After voting closed Saturday, the votes were certified Monday.

Under the agreement, teachers would not receive a COLA — a cost-of-living adjustment — next year. Instead, bargaining unit members would receive a one-time $2,000 stipend, which the union said would cost the district nearly $30 million for all members.

The agreement also phases out extra pay for teachers in struggling schools such as AIS or Choice Zone schools — money intended to attract and retain staff in some of the district’s lowest-performing buildings.

That stipend would be reduced by 25% annually over four years until it is eliminated, amounting to about a $2,000 pay cut for most teachers. JCTA said the one-time stipend would offset the lost pay.

Rather than negotiating a full contract, the union agreed to an extension through 2028 “in hopes” that the district would be in a “better financial position” by then.

The agreement includes a provision stating that if the board raises taxes, at least half of the new revenue must go toward teacher raises.

The contract extension also includes working-condition improvements such as planning-time protections, additional class-size caps, expanded family leave and layoff protections.

It will go before the Jefferson County Board of Education at Tuesday’s meeting.