FWCS Board Approves 4% Wage Increase for Unionized Teachers, Staff, Administration, Bus Drivers and More

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) – Many Fort Wayne Community Schools (FWCS) staff will see a retroactive 4% pay increase after the school board voted at Monday night’s meeting.

The first pay vote was for unionized teachers.

In the 2020-2021 school year, the salary range for teachers was $40,679 to $71,496. The unanimous vote will increase from $42,306 to $74,356 this year. In 2022-23, the range will be $43,998 to $77,330.

The second pay vote was for bus drivers, nurses and classified personnel (i.e. electricians, plumbers, mechanics, nutrition services, drivers, grounds maintenance, etc). The board voted unanimously to approve a two-year contract that increases salaries by 4%. This salary increase would be retroactive to July 1, 2021.

The final pay vote was for non-union members. This includes staff such as administrators, guidance counselors, case managers, bus attendants and more. This does not include substitutes, temporary or inactive employees.

The salary increase would be at least 4%. It would also be retroactive to July 1, 2021 or when an employee started working if after that date.

The board of directors voted unanimously to approve the increase. Council member Noah Smith (District 3) abstained from voting because his wife is in this category. However, he expressed his support.

These salary increases run from July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2023.