The Hamilton Southeastern (HSE) School Board voted 6-1 Tuesday evening, approving the contract with the Hamilton Southeastern Education Association (HSEA) for the 2024-2025 school year.  District teachers ratified the contract with 96% of teachers voting in favor of the pact.

In explaining her no vote, board member Tiffany Pascoe was critical of behavior by some in the audience at past school board meetings.  She also criticized HSEA for supporting some school board candidates in the last election through a political action committee (PAC).  In addition, Pascoe cited an Unfair Labor Practice filing by HSEA as criticism of the local teachers’ union.

On the other hand, board member Sarah Donsbach commended the work by the teachers’ association and district administrators in hammering out a collective bargaining agreement by the state deadline, avoiding mediation.

The board also approved insurance rates for health, dental and vision plans.  Extra incentives are provided to allow employees to choose a high-deductible health insurance plan with a Health Savings Account.  Employees can choose their plans during an open enrollment period, December 4-11.