Teachers in the Hamilton Southeastern (HSE) School District have ratified a new contract with the district.

The Hamilton Southeastern Education Association (HSEA) announced Friday evening on social media that its members approved the tentative agreement following a ratification vote.

“While it may not be everything we hoped for, we are proud that we were able to secure additional money for our teachers to help with the recent increase in insurance premiums—our primary focus throughout bargaining,” HSEA wrote in its statement. “We are incredibly grateful to our teachers, students, parents, and community members who stood with us every step of the way. Your support, your presence, and your words truly mean more than we can express.”

The agreement includes no pay increase for teachers during the current school year. When combined with higher insurance premiums, the contract will still result in reduced take-home pay for many teachers compared to last year. However, the ratified agreement narrows that gap more than a previous contract proposal that teachers rejected earlier this fall.

The next step in the process is a review by the Hamilton Southeastern school board. Board members are scheduled to review the contract and hold a public hearing at a meeting on Tuesday, December 23, at 7:30 a.m. A final ratification vote by the board is set for December 30, also at 7:30 a.m.