Aug 29, 2022 - News

Columbus teachers approve new contract, 4% raises

Alissa Widman Neese

Columbus Education Association leadership holds signs reading "#ColumbusStudentsDeserve safe, properly maintained, fully resourced schools in every neighborhood, CEA contract 2022" — Columbus Education Association spokesperson Regina Fuentes, center, and president John Coneglio, left, speak to reporters at Huntington Park following yesterday's vote. Photo: Alissa Widman Neese/Axios

Columbus teachers will get 4% annual base pay raises and all schools will be "climate controlled" by 2025, per the new three-year contract that ended last week's strike.

By the numbers: 71% of Columbus Education Association members who attended a meeting yesterday afternoon approved the agreement.

State of play: The unconventional gathering at Huntington Park had all the makings of a sporting event — a band, loudspeaker play-by-play, cheering and booing — plus what union spokesperson Regina Fuentes called a "home run" of a deal.

Yes, but: Several members spoke against the agreement, with some suggesting they further extend the strike to force a better one.

What's next: Teachers and students return to classrooms today for their first day of in-person school.

Meanwhile, the Columbus Board of Education will meet at 8am today to ratify the contract and make it official. We'll break down details tomorrow.

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Columbus teachers approve new contract, 4% raises

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