Board approves 2025–26 collective bargaining agreement with NEA Deming

The Deming Public Schools Board of Education on Thursday approved the 2025–26 collective bargaining agreement with NEA Deming, district staff said. Human resources and union negotiators described the changes as largely administrative updates, definition clarifications and codification of long‑standing procedures.

Union representatives noted updates to bereavement and sick‑leave language, clearer documentation requirements for prolonged absences (physician statements for absences longer than three consecutive weeks), alignment of policy cross‑references and updates to digital time‑clock procedures. Both sides described the negotiations as increasingly interest‑based, with district staff and union representatives working through language together rather than strictly adversarial bargaining.

Board members voted to accept the agreement after HR and union representatives reviewed the highlights; trustees spoke favorably about the collaborative approach and said the agreement brings district practice and contract language into alignment.

Superintendent Goldman and HR staff said the changes do not alter district policy authority but clarify expectations about notice and documentation. The agreement will take effect for the 2025–26 school year and is available through district HR.