Board approves retention and hiring incentives for math and science teachers for 2025-26

The Elkhart Community Schools Board of Trustees approved two resolutions May 27 to offer supplemental payments aimed at keeping and recruiting teachers in identified high-need math and science areas for the 2025-26 school year.

In separate votes the board approved a retention incentive resolution for current teachers in those content areas and a hiring-incentive resolution empowering the superintendent to offer payments to new hires in identified shortages. Both measures were described by the administration as limited to the 2025-26 school term and will expire at that school-year end unless the board takes further action to extend them.

During discussion a board member asked that the district be transparent about who qualifies for the payments and for the administration to report back to the board and the public in January with an assessment of the program’s effectiveness. The administration confirmed it will provide a community update and work with HR and the teacher association on implementation details and timing for disbursement. One board member also requested that processing fees and payment mechanics be finalized so funds are paid promptly after eligibility is met.

Both resolutions passed unanimously; the transcript shows a motion and second for each and recorded “Aye” votes without recorded opposition.

The measures are described in the meeting as one-year programs tied specifically to the 2025-26 school year; district officials said they will evaluate effectiveness before considering extension or changes.