MADISON TOWNSHIP –– As the Madison Local Education Association (MLEA) continues to bargain in good faith in pursuit of a strong contract to support the students of the Madison Local School District, MLEA members gathered outside the Middle School building Monday night to rally in support of their negotiation team and to call on the Board of Education to deliver a fair deal now.
Photos and video of Monday’s “Clap-In” event are available on the MLEA Facebook page.
MLEA members have been working without a contract since July 2021. The Madison Local School Board declared an impasse in negotiations on Sept. 29, 2021. A federal mediator was brought in for Monday’s negotiation session, but no agreement was reached.
“MLEA is disappointed in the Board’s unwillingness to put students first as we hammer out the details of a successor contract,” said MLEA spokesperson Josh Boliantz, (a ninth and tenth grade woodshop teacher at Madison High School). “Our kids need stability and the relationships we build with our students are critical for their success.”
MLEA members were focused on their students’ long-term success when they decided to implement a “work-to-contract” measure, working only during the hours laid out in their latest contract and not taking work home with them, as most educators do day-in-and-day out.
“This was not a decision we came to lightly. This is difficult on everyone,” Boliantz said.
“MLEA members are proud to provide a world-class education to the children of our community, and the district must do its part to continue to attract and retain the best educators for our kids,” Boliantz added. “Madison Local families deserve nothing less.”
We will continue to stand in solidarity as every effort is made to reach a deal. MLEA members are planning to attend the next board meeting on Oct. 27, 2021 at 4:30. Following the board meeting, there will be a meet the candidate night for the Madison School Board members and candidates.
The next mediation session is scheduled for Oct. 19, 2021.
About MLEA
The Madison Local Education Association (MLEA) represents 265 educators across seven school buildings in the Madison Local School District. We educate and safeguard more than 3,200 children in our Richland County, Ohio community. Our contract with the Board expired July 2021.
