The tentative contract agreement between the Hamilton Southeastern (HSE) School District and the Hamilton Southeastern Education Association (HSEA) was formally presented to the school board Tuesday morning, followed by a public hearing as required under state law.
HSEA members have already ratified the agreement. The school board is scheduled to take a final ratification vote at a special meeting on December 30 at 7:30 a.m.
Three speakers addressed the board during the public hearing, voicing concerns about the contract and its impact on teachers.
Former school board member Michelle Fullhart said teachers in the district “feel disrespected” by the agreement. She noted that the contract marks the first time in HSE Schools’ history that teachers will not receive a pay increase, and she said many educators will take home less pay under the new terms.
Fullhart argued that other nearby districts facing similar funding challenges have still managed to provide salary increases and step raises based on years of service. She said allocating one-half of one percent of the district’s annual budget—approximately $1.7 million—could have prevented some teachers from seeing a reduction in their take-home pay.
Julie Roberts, who described herself as a former teacher and the parent of two HSE graduates, said Fishers is frequently ranked as one of the best places to live nationally and warned the contract could “stain” the city’s and the school board’s reputation. She also cited a budget surplus that she said was not applied toward teacher compensation.
Board member Dawn Lang pushed back on those comments, emphasizing the district’s need for long-term financial sustainability. She pointed to rising costs, low per-student funding under the state funding formula, and a slightly declining student population as ongoing budget challenges.
Board member Latricia Schooley encouraged the district to use interest-based bargaining in the next contract cycle, saying it could help avoid a prolonged negotiation process that ultimately required a mediator.
Board member Suzanne Thomas said the board lacked sufficient detailed executive sessions during negotiations, which led to her being surprised by some provisions included in the tentative agreement.
The contract calls for no salary increases or step pay increases for teachers. Depending on the health insurance plan selected, a certain number teachers will see a reduction in their take-home pay under the agreement.
You can view HSE’s Chief Financial Officer Tim Brown’s presentation to the board on the new contract at this link.