June 13, 2023 -- The Columbus City Schools Board of Education has reached a new tentative collective bargaining agreement with the Columbus School Employees Association (CSEA) that runs for three years through July 31, 2026. 

The agreement will go before the Columbus Board of Education for consideration at their next regular business meeting on Tuesday, June 20. If approved, the contract will be signed and enacted.

“Since stepping into my role of superintendent, I have been committed to prioritizing the voices and needs of all employees,” said Superintendent/CEO Dr. Angela Chapman. “This new agreement reflects that commitment, and it shows our District’s appreciation for the more than 3,200  employees who play a vital role in the success of Columbus City Schools.”

The new agreement includes 4% salary increases for all CSEA members in the 2023-2024 and 2024-2025 school years. The continued salary increases are part of the District’s commitment to proactively address shifts in the economy and ensure employees earn competitive, livable wages. 

All active CSEA members will also receive a $500 recruitment and retention stipend in December 2023 and another $500 recruitment and retention stipend in June 2024. 

“Our members overwhelmingly approved this contract because it provides improvements across the board for the support staff in Columbus City Schools. This agreement includes everything from pay raises, bonuses, and improvements to the step system to a streamlining of the promotion process, important updates to health care options, and incentives for attendance,” said CSEA President Lois Carson. “The new contract is a reflection of the respect the district has for the important work we do to help educate our students, and it shows that they value our critical contributions.” 

In addition to wage increases over the next two school years, the tentative agreement includes additional health care benefits, introduces work-from-home policies according to procedures adopted by the superintendent, and establishes new parental and family leave policies for all CSEA members. 

“Columbus City Schools respects and believes in the power of collective bargaining and unions,” added Dr. Chapman. “Over the last two months, on behalf of the Columbus Board of Education, we’ve been able to come to the table with CSEA members to reach an outcome that ultimately benefits our staff and students. I’m excited to take the tentative contract to the Board of Education next Tuesday for their approval,” she added.