MITCHELL- Bargaining has stalled between Mitchell Community Schools and the Mitchell Education Association regarding this year’s Master Teacher Contract. Both sides have mutually agreed to go to mediation through the Indiana Education Employment Relations Board. Doug Thomas, MJHS social studies teacher and MEA member, presented a statement (full copy at the bottom of page) on behalf of the MEA to the Mitchell school board at its regular meeting on Monday, November 11 the, which had a high attendance of Mitchell educators and union advocates from other districts.
The statement outlined the grievance the teachers have with the contract, and it reads in part:
“We realize that the new money from the state this year was not as much as it has been
in the past. However, the amount of money that has been offered to teachers is dismal,
at best.
Per the current contract, the corporation has agreed to contribute their percentage to
the health insurance increase this year and has offered an average of a 1% increase in
the salary schedule for the average MCS teacher. However, this calculates to even less
than 1% for many teachers, especially those who do not participate in the school health
insurance plan.
If the corporation were having financial difficulties, we would understand, and we would,
as we have in the past, agree to less money.”
Various budget surpluses within Mitchell Community Schools were listed, and it was stated that the teachers had already offered a 50% reduction in their original requested amount to try to reach an agreement.
The statement continues:
“We want the corporation to be able to hire quality candidates and retain the outstanding
teachers that we currently have. However, our salaries are substantially less than
surrounding school corporations and the pay raise that is currently on the table is the
lowest of any neighboring school corporation. For example, the teachers at Orleans just
settled for a salary increase of $2,000 per teacher. North Lawrence teachers are receiving a $3,000 salary increase this year. This year’s contract at Shoals includes a salary increase of $2,800.
The current offer on the table from this board is $500 per teacher on salary and an
even smaller one-time stipend. This is problematic on its own, but we also find it
especially troubling when many teachers’ years of experience are not reflected in their
steps and salary already. We find all of this unacceptable and frankly bordering on
insulting.
We ask that between now and the start of mediation, the board re-examine its stance on
our master contract and reconsider its dismal offer to teachers. We have dedicated
our professional lives to this school corporation, and what’s currently being offered is an
insult to our fine group of professional, dedicated teachers who deserve consideration
and respect.”
The board then thanked Mr. Thomas for his comments.
Last year’s contract included a $2,500 raise and a move of one step up in the pay scale for qualified teachers, which was an additional $1,000. No date has been set for mediation.
WBIW will provide updates as information becomes available.
To read the presented letter in its entirety, see below.
