Board holds public hearing on tentative bargaining agreement; ratification set for Nov. 5

The School City of Mishawaka Board of School Trustees on Oct. 8 held a public hearing required under state law on the tentative collective bargaining agreement (TA) with the Mishawaka Education Association. The hearing was opened and closed with no members of the public offering comment.

Staff said the TA includes an increase in the district's base teacher salary from $47,500 to $48,000 and establishes a new salary range that the district said will produce an average 1.08% increase across certified teachers. The agreement also includes a required pay differential tied to attainment of the early literacy endorsement under Indiana code.

A district staff presenter summarized other changes in the TA as including adjustments to extracurricular activity schedules and modifications to benefits language; the presenter said health and dental insurance changes were part of the broader benefits discussion and would be addressed in a separate presentation. The presenter noted that the TA was posted publicly on Oct. 3 and that the targeted ratification vote is scheduled for the board meeting on Nov. 5.

The public hearing was opened and, with no speakers, closed by the presiding official; no board action on ratification was taken at the Oct. 8 meeting.