HSE Schools & HSEA reach tentative agreement on teacher contract

Submitted by HSE Schools

Hamilton Southeastern Schools and the Hamilton Southeastern Education Association (HSEA) have reached a tentative agreement on the 2026-27 teacher contract.

The agreement reflects several weeks of professional discussions and cooperation between both bargaining teams, following a year in which teacher salaries remained unchanged.

Under the tentative agreement, eligible teachers will receive a $1,225 base salary increase, with an additional $603 dependent on passage of the district’s replacement operating referendum on Nov. 3. This comes after new insurance rates were approved Wednesday evening, Oct. 14, by the Board of Trustees, which was an investment of nearly $2.5 million.

Kegley

“After having to hold salaries steady last year, we’re glad to be able to offer our teachers an increase,” Superintendent Dr. Matt Kegley said. “I want to thank HSEA and our district team for the time and work they put into these negotiations. There was good collaboration throughout the process, and both sides worked hard to reach an agreement.”

Starting salaries for new teachers hired after ratification will also increase by $750, with another $250 if the referendum passes. The agreement includes additional compensation for qualifying teachers who have earned a master’s degree.

The full tentative agreement is available at this link. A public hearing is scheduled for 6 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 28. The Board of School Trustees will then meet at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 4, to consider ratification of the agreement.