INDIANAPOLIS -- Indianapolis Public Schools is launching a plan to recruit and retain teachers, this as the district faces closing several high schools.
As Call 6 Investigates reported, IPS’ retention rate for educators is the worst in the state at 57 percent, compared to the state average of 82 percent.
IPS reached an agreement with the teacher’s union, the Indianapolis Education Association, to pay the district’s high school teachers a bonus.
The plan would move forward if the district votes in September to approve the recommended high school consolidation.
RELATED | CALL 6: Three IPS high schools could close for Fall 2018 school year due to low enrollment | IPS video explains school closures, district future plans
If approved, eligible high school teachers would receive a one-time stipend in the following amounts:
• $5,000 for those who started their employment with IPS on or before the start of the 2016-17 school year
• $2,500 for those who started their employment with IPS after the start of the 2016-17 school year
To be eligible for the stipend, high school teachers must:
• Receive an effective or highly effective evaluation for the 2017-18 school year
• Be at work and perform their regularly assigned duties at least 93% of the school year
• Have worked at least 90 contract days
The district emphasizes students need to have stability within the teaching staff.
"Reinvented high schools for the 2018-19 school year should not yield a compromised high school experience this current school year," said IPS Superintendent Dr. Lewis D. Ferebee. "This retention incentive underscores how much we value our teachers and stability for our students and families."
IPS plans to pay the bonuses at the end of the 2017-2018 school year.
IPS commissioners vote on the school closures on September 18.
Call 6 Investigates found IPS and many other school districts do not actively track the reasons why teachers leave their classrooms.
MORE | CALL 6: Thousands of Indiana teachers leaving the classroom
