Teachers in the Hamilton Southeastern (HSE) School District have overwhelmingly rejected a tentative contract agreement with district administrators. In a ratification vote, 86% of teachers voted against the proposed pact.

Craig Frawley, co-chair of the bargaining team for the HSE Education Association, informed teachers of the results Monday morning, saying the outcome “speaks volumes.”

“Eighty-six percent is not just a number; it is a mandate,” Frawley wrote.

The proposed contract offered no increase in teacher pay, higher health insurance premiums, and a one-time contribution to Health Savings Accounts (HSAs). It also included some adjustments to rules governing teacher time off.

“The bargaining team anticipated that ratification would be difficult, but we have always believed the final decision rests with our members, and you have spoken decisively,” Frawley said. “The message is clear: we are worth more.”

Under Indiana law, the two sides must reach and ratify an agreement by November 15. If they fail to do so, the state will begin a mediation process, with each side sharing the cost.

If mediation does not produce an agreement, the dispute moves to a fact-finding stage. At that point, each side submits its “last, best offer” to a state-appointed fact finder, who holds a hearing and must choose one of the proposals in its entirety. The decision is based on factors such as the school district’s finances, teacher pay in comparable districts, and the public interest.

The fact finder’s decision is binding but may be appealed  by either side to the Indiana Education Employment Relations Board (IEERB) for a final ruling.