FMCSD, FMEA exchange initial offerings

FORT MADISON – Two proposals were exchanged Monday as the Fort Madison Community School District and the Fort Madison Education Association began negotiations for the upcoming school year contract.
The two initial proposals are required to be offered in a public session with additional negotiations to be conducted in closed session. The final agreements will be disclosed at a future FMCSD board meeting in open session.
The teachers' union has once again opened with contract language establishing regular dialogue between educators and administration in a labor-management collaborative effort.
FMEA proposed a labor-management committee made up of equal members from the administrative team and the union. The committee would meet monthly during the school year to discuss issues related to working conditions, school culture and climate, professional development, and other matters of mutual interest.
FMEA is also asking for an additional $1,500 as a base increase with respective step and lane advancements, as well as other career increments for eligible employees. 
The district’s initial proposal includes a $400 increase in base pay for the 2026-27 school year, taking the minimum district salary to $38,985, plus teacher salary supplement money.