Bargaining is underway between the Hamilton Southeastern (HSE) School District and the Hamilton Southeastern Education Association (HSEA), with union leaders cautioning that this year’s talks may prove especially difficult.

HSEA President Tyler Zerbe briefed teachers ahead of Wednesday night’s school board meeting, saying he is “cautiously optimistic” about how discussions have started.

“This will be a very difficult bargaining year for all of us,” Zerbe said, citing actions taken by the Indiana General Assembly during its most recent budget session. He described the union as being “up against a huge mountain” due to state-level changes in school funding.

Despite the challenges, Zerbe said the early tone of talks with district administrators has been more positive than in 2024. “It seems we are starting off on a better foot this year with central office than we did last year. We are hoping that continues,” he noted.

Union leaders have emphasized their desire for a more collaborative process in this round of bargaining.

The district and HSEA are expected to negotiate a one-year contract once again. Full-day bargaining sessions are scheduled to begin September 23.