A local political group and the local teachers union are at odds over transparency and priorities within the Hamilton Southeastern (HSE) School District.

In a news release this week, Fishers One criticized the Hamilton Southeastern Education Association (HSEA), saying the union’s voting process lacks transparency and excludes some teachers from contract decisions. The group said only dues-paying members were allowed to vote on a recent tentative contract, which was rejected by 86% of voting members. Fishers One argued that this policy prevents nonmembers from having a say in a contract that affects all teachers.

The release also raised concerns about the lack of publicly available information on HSEA’s ratification process and voting procedures, claiming union leadership has declined to clarify how membership and voting are handled.

In response, HSEA said Fishers One is attempting to “make this a political issue in order to cause discord amongst HSE teachers.” The union said its focus remains on ensuring that all bargaining unit members — not just HSEA members — receive fair pay and benefits.

“The real issue,” the union’s statement said, “is teachers taking home less pay this year than they did last year.” HSEA said it continues to advocate for a contract that “keeps all teachers whole,” regardless of union membership.

Negotiations between HSEA and the district have been ongoing following the rejection of the tentative contract.