By James Windell
South Haven teachers voted on January 13, 2026 to ratify a new salary agreement. And Jessica Fiedorowicz, President of the South Haven Education Association, is pleased with the agreement.
“This is a step in the right direction toward making South Haven competitive,” she said after the vote was announced.
According to Fiedorowicz, the agreement makes sure all teachers will move to the step on the salary schedule that is equal to their years of service as a teacher in public education. “School district hiring practices have changed significantly in the last several years meaning that when hiring staff with experience, they are placed on the salary schedule that is equal to their years of service,” she explained. “This was not always the case.”
The new salary agreement came about because of a previous understanding with the South Haven School District that the salary portion of the contract could be reopened. Although it was hoped that a new salary schedule could have been negotiated by the beginning of the 2025-2026 school year, this was not possible because the state’s School Aid budget get did not come out until October 2025. That budget determines what funds will go to each school district.
Superintendent Ana Aleman-Putman said that both sides worked very collaboratively and transparently “with the best interests of all staff at the forefront.”
She added that both sides engaged in meaningful discussion around a variety of proposals and “ultimately moved toward an agreement that was fiscally responsible while also addressing the top priorities of our teachers.” She viewed the negotiation process as productive and collaborative.
“I think we reached the best contract possible at this time,” she said. “Following Thursday’s meeting, we are all very encouraged by the progress made.”
According to Aleman-Putman, the South Haven Board of Education will meet on January 21 to consider approving the agreement.
