Coldwater Board Reviews Finances, Teacher Contract And New Staff Moves

Coldwater Exempted Village Schools Superintendent Doug Mader says the district’s May Board of Education meeting included discussion on employee compensation, a financial update and several personnel moves.

Mader said the meeting began with an executive session at 5:30 PM, where employee compensation was discussed. The regular meeting began at 6 PM.

During the meeting, the district treasurer gave a financial update and told the board the district is tracking at more than 98 percent accuracy on its budget year to date.

Mader also addressed the board about the district’s recent formal negotiations with the Coldwater Teachers Organization. He thanked members of the district’s negotiating team, school administrators, board leadership and representatives from the teacher organization for their work through the process.

Mader said the proposed three year agreement includes a 2.5 percent raise on the base in the first year, with teachers receiving their steps in the final two years of the contract.

He said teacher salaries in Coldwater have fallen behind surrounding districts, but added that the agreement reflects the district’s financial outlook and its goal of avoiding deficit spending through 2030.

Mader said the district’s financial position is the result of community support through the levy, strategic planning, thoughtful staffing decisions and strong financial leadership.

He also thanked Coldwater teachers for their work with students and encouraged the community to recognize the role they play in the district’s success.

The board also accepted the promotion of Natalie Kanney to director of counseling services and mental health for the district.

The board approved the hiring of Eric Woeste, a Coldwater graduate, as the new high school counselor.

The meeting ended at approximately 6:30 PM.