Raises for Philly teachers in deal worth $395M

City teachers, who have gone five years without a raise, would get one if they ratify the tentative agreement before them Monday — but it could cost some of them their jobs if new money from the city and state is not forthcoming.

The pact will cost the Philadelphia School District $395 million — $245 million more than it has budgeted for — with no clear path to pay for it. A source close to the talks said it could eventually force district layoffs without additional revenues.

The deal between the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers and school system would give almost 12,000 teachers, counselors, nurses, secretaries, aides, and other school workers salary increases over the life of the three-year contract, which would also restore “steps,” or pay for years of experience, and compensation for advanced degrees.

Educators would begin paying for their health insurance — most currently do not contribute toward the cost of benefits — and would abdicate the right to choose from among open jobs based on seniority.

Read more: http://www.philly.com/philly/education/raises-for-philly-teachers-in-deal-worth-395m-20170617.html