LINDEN — North Montgomery School Superintendent Dr. Anthony Tharp announced Monday that for the first time in 15 years there could be no pay raises or one-time stipends.
Tharp has been bargaining with North Montgomery Teachers Association representatives and the final proposal states there will be no pay raises or stipends.
The proposal reflects uncertainty surrounding Senate Bill 1, which will reduce school funding in 2027, as well as increased online enrollment and students transferring out of the district, which lowers state funding due to the school corporation.
Teachers will vote Friday on the tentative agreement.
Tharp said it is disappointing that schools across Indiana are being affected by the new state legislation which was passed early in 2026. Tharp said schools are still hopeful legislators will make positive changes to SB 1 in the 2027 legislative session.
Pleasant Hill Elementary was highlighted during the meeting. The focus was the working relationship the school has developed with the Linden library. The school has several programs being used by students at all grade levels.
Pleasant Hill fifth-grader Cooper Whittinghill was the honorary board member at the meeting.
The board approved the hiring of Michael Yerkes as a high school custodian, Keith Smith as a bus driver, Brian Bone as an instructional aide and Teresa Butler as a substitute in food service.
Several high school and middle school extracurricular positions were approved.
