Mohawk reaches contract agreement with teachers

SYCAMORE—In mid-August, teachers at Mohawk Local Schools voiced their opinions on the teaching negotiation contracts through the Mohawk Local Board of Education. With the help of the Mohawk Education Association (MEA), the teachers and board finally reached an agreement of a mutually beneficial repackaged deal. The teachers of Mohawk Local School and the MEA noted they were able to make positive progress with the board, and finally landed on an agreement on Sept. 21, satisfying all parties involved. Before this agreement was reached, Krista Jacoby, president of the MEA said the Board of Education refused to meet with the MEA twice to bargain teacher negotiations. According to the board, the parties have been under the jurisdiction of the federal mediator since May 2023, but the board stood ready to meet whenever the mediator called to do so, and continued to bargain in good faith. "Further, the Board, through its representatives, has informed the MEA that it is the Board's hope and preference to begin the school year with a signed agreement and the Mohawk teachers in their classroom," stated the Board on the Mohawk Local School website in a statement. "That is the best result for everyone, including those we treasure most—Mohawk Students." After the MEA voted yes to the new proposed tentative agreement, the situation was settled. "The MEA would like to thank the community for all your support throughout this process," stated a Facebook post from the MEA. "We are excited to continue working with great students, fantastic parents and such a supportive community." According to data from the State Employment Relations Board, Mohawk was ranked No. 1 for base salary out of 12 local schools, before the agreement was negotiated. Mohawk's top end of the pay scale, "cash in your pocket," is ranked No. 6. "We appreciate the MEA working with us and look forward to a positive and impactful school year," said Board President, Josh Messersmith.