MASON CITY, Iowa - Negotiations between the Mason City Community School District and the Mason City Education Association are at an impasse, according to the district. At issue is the contract for teachers, counselors and nurses for the 2024-2025 school year.
The district says a mediation session held earlier this month did not result in an agreement.
MCEA stated the district has eliminated the salary schedule from the proposed contract and decreased total compensation for the employees covered by the contract.
According to Mason City Community Schools, they're proposing a $3,000 pay raise for each teacher next school year, equaling a 6% increase. They say Mason City schools rank 9th in the state for teacher wages.
The union is encouraging parents, educators and community members to attend Monday's school board meeting.
Below are statements from both MCEA and the Mason City Community School District.
Mason City Community School District:
The Mason City Education Association (MCEA) and the Mason City Community School District (MCCSD) are currently at an impasse in their contract negotiations. A mediation session held earlier this month did not result in an agreement.
MCCSD remains committed to offering competitive compensation packages to its teachers, positioning the district favorably compared to both neighboring and larger districts within the state. Since 2018-2019, Mason City’s certified enrollment has decreased by 242.4 students. Mason City now ranks 30th in the state for certified enrollment.
For the 2023-2024 academic year, the average total salary for teachers in MCCSD is $71,874 for a 190-day contract, which ranks ninth in the state, excluding benefits. When including benefits, MCCSD teachers hold the highest average total compensation in the state at $102,776, according to the Iowa Association of School Boards. The district has proposed a $3,000 pay increase for each teacher for the next school year, equating to a 6% raise on base wages.
Iowa teachers are covered by the Iowa Public Employee Retirement System (IPERS), guaranteeing a lifetime monthly payment upon retirement. Additionally, MCCSD has historically offered an early retirement benefit. This year’s package was for $50,000 over five years to employees who have worked in the district for at least ten years and are at least 55 years old.
Previously, MCCSD has provided an additional retirement benefit: a $300 monthly Tax Sheltered Annuity (TSA) contribution, available to all teachers and other MCEA bargaining unit members. Some educators have used this benefit to offset the cost of family health insurance.
However, due to projected funding constraints from declining enrollment, MCCSD plans to discontinue contributions to the teacher TSA. This decision, which is non-negotiable, is aimed at preserving the district's future financial stability. The annual cost of the TSA program is $1.1 million, equivalent to the salaries of 16 teachers at the lowest pay rate. Continuing this benefit would necessitate reducing the number of teaching positions, thereby increasing class sizes.
The district covers the full cost of individual health, dental, and vision insurance for teachers. Currently, for those with family health coverage, the single premium and the $300 TSA can be applied toward the family premium. For next year, Family health insurance rates have been set to ensure that no teacher faces higher family insurance costs.
Mason City Education Association:
The Mason City Education Association and the Mason City Community School District have not yet reached agreement on a contract for teachers, counselors, and nurses for the 2024-2025 school year. The Mason City School Board has informed MCEA that it has given its last, best and final offer which includes eliminating the salary schedule from the contract and decreasing total compensation for this group of employees.
MCEA believes that schools are the heart of our Mason City Community. Keeping our community thriving means investing in our children, their families, and the professionals serving them.
A competitive salary schedule and benefits package for the professionals who teach our children is the best way to attract and retain high quality staff. The number one indicator of a student's success will always be the teacher's professional excellence in the front of the classroom. Why would we shortchange the professionals we need to succeed by eliminating the salary schedule and decreasing benefits?
The Mason City Community School District has the financial resources available to fairly compensate teachers, counselors, and nurses. In a year when the Iowa legislature passed laws and provided additional funding to raise educator salaries, why is the Mason City School Board choosing to decrease total compensation for these valuable employees?
The Mason City School Board meets this evening, Monday, May 20, 2024, at 5:30 PM. MCEA has encouraged educators, parents and community members to attend the meeting and pack the boardroom to send a message to board members that educators should be valued and that bargaining proposals from the board should support hard-working professional educators and not punish them with measures that will limit the ability of the district to attract and retain the highest quality staff. MCEA members will be gathering prior to the meeting in the administrative services center parking lot beginning at 4:30 PM. Comments will be shared with the board following the meeting during public comment time.
