ROCHESTER, N.Y. — The Rochester Teachers Association has voted to ratify its new contract with the city school district.

The three-year contract was approved by 80% of voting members. 

It includes an annual 3.8% general salary increase, retroactive to July 1, 2022, and a retention incentive of $1,500 provided to teachers who finish the school year the first two years of the agreement. Hourly employees get a 22% raise and compensation for assuming class coverage or added students.

The Rochester Board of Education approved the collective bargaining agreement with the RTA Tuesday night, according to the RCSD.

“Teachers are the backbone of this District, and I am extremely proud to have developed a collaborative agreement that ensures high-quality instruction through greater collaboration and additional professional learning opportunities,” RCSD Superintendent Carmine Peluso said in a statement. “This negotiation process provided the forum for extensive conversations with RTA leadership that outlined our shared vision and priorities for the future of this District. I am confident that when this agreement is finalized, it will pave the way for a strong relationship moving forward.”

RTA President Adam Urbanski praised the pact as "good for students and fair to teachers." 

The contract also offers an increase in support for students and teachers with counselors, psychologists and social workers in every school.