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Benton Harbor board ratifies three-year teachers contract
Summary
The Benton Harbor Area Schools Board of Education unanimously ratified a tentative three-year collective bargaining agreement with the teachers union on Sept. 9, 2025, approving annual 3% salary schedule increases, yearly step advancement and modest hourly extra-pay raises.
The Benton Harbor Area Schools Board of Education voted Sept. 9 to ratify a tentative collective bargaining agreement with the Benton Harbor Education Association, MEA and NEA that runs through June 30, 2028.
The three-year agreement, reached Aug. 28, 2025, includes a 3% salary-schedule increase each year and step advancement of one step per eligible employee annually. The contract also raises extra-pay from $37.50 to $40 per hour and sets a 185-day contract provision described in the staff report.
Superintendent Dr. Simone Griffin thanked negotiating parties and staff for their work in reaching the tentative agreement and invited union leaders to address the board. "We had a good negotiating time. We learned a lot from each other," BEA President Brenda Terrell told the board, adding the process was focused on students. Vice President Bowens and others publicly thanked teachers and bargaining teams for a cooperative process.
Dr. Chris Bernick, who advised the district in negotiations, was singled out by board speakers for his role at the table. "I want to thank Dr. Bernick for helping us with this process," one board member said during remarks.
The board moved to ratify the tentative agreement on a motion by Secretary Triplet, supported by Vice President Bowens; roll-call votes on the motion were recorded as yes by President Robinson, Vice President Bowens, Secretary Triplet, Treasurer Bradley, Trustee Rocket Martin, Trustee Gavin and Trustee Doyle. The agreement will govern salary and related working conditions for the 2025–2028 contract period.
The board did not detail implementation timing in the public record beyond ratification; administration and union leaders said they would follow through on steps required to implement the negotiated terms.
