Mercer County educators, along with parents and community members, are preparing to attend the Mercer County School District 404 Board of Education meeting on Wednesday night. The aim is to advocate for a fair contract as the district currently offers the lowest salary potential for teachers in the region. Since March 3, the Mercer County Education Association (MCEA) has been negotiating with the Board of Education but recently sought mediation.
Monte Smith, spokesperson for MCEA, expressed concerns about losing talented educators to neighboring districts like Rockridge, Sherrard, and Monmouth-Roseville due to better pay. “Without high-quality teachers and staff, our students’ education will suffer. We know that strong students mean strong schools and strong communities,” he stated.
The MCEA represents over 110 teachers and licensed staff who support 1,200 students in District 404. With their current contract having expired on June 30, there is no new agreement in place for the upcoming school year.
According to Smith, MCEA’s proposals are financially viable without necessitating tax increases. “We are committed to the financial health of the school district and getting fair compensation for our members. We’re not asking to be the highest-paid teachers. We’re just asking for a competitive salary so we can attract and retain the best teachers for our students,” he said.
The Board of Education meeting will take place on Wednesday, July 15 at 6:30 p.m. at Mercer Co. Junior High located at 1002 SW 6th St., Aledo. As of now, no additional bargaining sessions have been scheduled.
