Hilliard schools, teachers union reach agreement
The Hilliard City School Board of Education approved a one-year contract extension Thursday with the Hilliard Education Association, the union for the district’s more than 1,200 educators, that includes raises and a $1,000 bonus.
The teachers represented by the union will receive a 2% raise and a one-time payment of $1,000. Nearly 90% of the voting Hilliard Education Association members were in favor the contract extension. The previous contract, signed in 2021, was set to expire in June of 2024 and also included annual 2% raises.
During a special meeting Thursday, the board voted unanimously to extend the contract through June 30, 2025.
Superintendent Dave Stewart said the district was “grateful for the positive and cooperative environment in which we have been negotiating to reach this agreement.
“Approving the continuance of the current contract agreement is in the best interest of our teachers, our students, and the community we serve together,” Stewart said.
In a Thursday statement, union president Linna Jordan said the contract extension will allow the district and staff to keep growing and remain competitive.
“We appreciate the opportunity to work with central office administration and the board to recognize the work done by our educators while also acknowledging that our focus right now needs to be on moving the district forward,” Jordan said.
Last year, the Hilliard Education Association issued a vote of no confidence against three members of the board: Beth Murdoch, Zach Vorst and Nadia Long, who was president at the time. The letter sent by the union said the board members “reflect the absence of responsible leadership” and accused them of “flagrantly disregarding” board policy.
Murdoch, who is now board president, said the extension is “the most fiscally responsible step the board can take in these uncertain economic times.”
“The Board of Education is grateful to the union leadership for working so collaboratively as we move toward the mutual goal of providing the best possible education for the children in this school district,” Murdoch said. @Colebehr_report Cbehrens@dispatch.com