Carmel teachers protest compensation

CARMEL, Ind. (WISH) - A group of Carmel Clay teachers protested the school administration's compensation proposals outside of Woodbrook Elementary this afternoon.

Carmel Clay teachers are the only Indiana teachers without a contract for this school this year. The teachers and administration face wide differences in their future compensation, handling of leaves, and professional development. The administration's proposal would lengthen the work day without providing additional pay. Furthermore, the proposal would reduce compensation for middle and high school teachers.

Brian Lyday, President of the Carmel Clay Education Association, explains, "The teachers are asking for classrooms to be put first. We are nearing a point where the quality of instruction will begin to be affected by these proposals, and great teachers will be lost to neighboring districts that compensate them for their talent. A hallmark of Carmel's success is the quality of instruction provided by its teachers, and these cuts will clearly have a marked effect on our staff."

Teachers say Tuesday's demonstration was the their way of informing the public of their situation. Many teachers have been going door-to-door in the community, and others have been contacting friends and family through social media.