Ann Arbor Public Schools (AAPS) district and the Ann Arbor Education Association (AAEA) have reached a tentative agreement

In a recent development, the Ann Arbor Public Schools (AAPS) district and the Ann Arbor Education Association (AAEA) have reached a tentative agreement that includes a 1.5% increase in the teacher salary schedule, retroactive for the 2024-25 school year. Additionally, all employees hired before the start of 2025 will receive a full step advancement at the beginning of the 2025-26 school year.

Beyond salary adjustments, the agreement introduces several notable changes:

• Health Savings Account (HSA) Contributions: Multiple options for HSA funding contributions have been proposed, providing employees with greater flexibility in managing their healthcare expenses.

• Vision Care Insurance: Upon ratification, the district will fully fund employee vision care insurance, enhancing the overall benefits package for staff.

• Elementary School Schedule Adjustment: Starting in the 2025-26 school year, the start and finish times for elementary schools will be pushed forward by five minutes, a change aimed at optimizing the school day structure.

• Opt-Out Incentive for Medical Plans: The cash payments for employees opting out of medical plans will increase from $2,000 to $3,000, providing a more substantial incentive for those who choose alternative healthcare coverage.

These developments come at a time when the district is grappling with significant financial challenges. Earlier reports indicated that AAPS is facing a $25 million budget shortfall, necessitating substantial spending cuts and staff reductions.

In response to these challenges, community members have taken proactive steps to support educators. Parents have established a community fund aimed at assisting struggling Ann Arbor teachers, demonstrating a collective commitment to sustaining educational excellence in the face of fiscal adversity. Community members began sharing links to a Google doc explaining the vision behind the Teachers Community Funds after dozens of teachers and supporters aired concerns.

While the tentative agreement offers modest financial improvements and enhanced benefits for teachers, it also highlights the ongoing need for community support and innovative solutions to ensure the long-term stability and success of the Ann Arbor Public Schools.

We want to hear from you! Are you an AAPS teacher, student, or parent? What are your thoughts on this agreement? Do you think these changes will have a meaningful impact? Share your comments and feedback below!