Special to the Reporter
The Mercer Island School District (MISD) and the Mercer Island Education Association (MIEA), the union that represents district certificated and classified staff, have agreed on a one-year contract for the 2023-24 school year.
“We are pleased to have come to an agreement with MIEA on a contract for this coming school year,” said Superintendent Dr. Fred Rundle. “In recent years, our negotiations have gone well into August and even into September. Having this contract done before the summer break will allow our district to prepare for and launch the 2023-24 school year without the added variable of not having a contract.”
Rundle thanked MIEA President Sally Loeser for her partnership on the contract, and commended Erin Battersby, the district’s executive director, compliance, legal affairs and HR, for her work leading the district’s negotiating team and collaboration with MIEA.
“On behalf of the over 400 Mercer Island Education Association members, I would like to thank our MIEA and MISD bargaining teams for their work this spring,” said Loeser, adding that Rundle emphasized clear and accurate communication and the MISD finance and HR teams were effective during contract negotiations. “MIEA members are thankful to be entering a summer with our collective bargaining agreements settled for the 2023-2024 school year.”
Loeser added: “This was not an easy bargain for MIEA nor MISD due, in large part, to the district’s financial situation and the cost of living in our region. MIEA entered this bargain prioritizing our member’s economic security and the creation of working conditions that equitably support educators and their students.”
For this first time in Superintendent Rundle’s 13 years with the MISD, the district heads into the summer with a contract with MIEA in place and the district budget for the next school year already approved.
Loeser acknowledged the positive impact that Rundle’s work has had on MISD employees.
The first day of classes for the 2023-24 school year is Aug. 30 for grades 1-12, and the opening day of kindergarten is Sept. 5.
