Board tables proposal for math and science supplemental pay after public comment from teachers and union

The Elkhart Community Schools Board of Trustees on March 11 voted unanimously to table a proposed resolution authorizing supplemental signing and retention pay for teachers holding math or science certification in grades 7–12 until the first regular board meeting after spring break (April 22).

Administration presented the proposed resolution earlier in the meeting. "The superintendent would be authorized to pay a signing bonus of up to $5,000 and also will be authorized to pay annual incentive/retention incentives of $2,500," an administrative staff member said while describing the proposal as supplemental to retention payments already in the master contract.

Public speakers at the meeting urged the board to reconsider the targeted approach. Joshua Kinder, an elected representative of the Elkhart Teachers Association and a 12‑year math teacher, said ETA opposed the selective bonuses and called for equitable pay across all teaching positions. "The teacher shortage should not be played like a game of academic whack a mole," Kinder said, urging the board to "table the thing and start collaborating right now."

Chris Bartley, a district special education teacher and parent, said he supported efforts to recruit in high‑need areas but asked for additional details on consulting contracts in the board packet and cautioned that retention incentives can create resentment among existing staff. Melissa Gross, a Westside Middle School special education teacher, raised broader staffing and instructional concerns in public comment—standardized testing volume, instructional materials and teacher autonomy—saying repeated, hurried changes have stressed teachers and students.

After public comment and administrative remarks, a board member asked for time to collect answers to questions and moved to table the resolution until April 22; another trustee seconded the motion and the board approved the tabling unanimously.

The administration earlier signaled the staffing challenges driving the measure, telling trustees the district continues to have difficulty filling secondary math and science positions and the job market for these roles "is extremely competitive." The resolution language in the board packet described two targeted payments: a signing bonus and an annual retention incentive; the packet did not specify how many positions or the total cost if fully subscribed.

The board also approved routine consent items earlier in the meeting, including donations totaling $2,250.57, by unanimous voice vote.