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Dear Editor,
On July 24, 2025, the Ludington Area School District Board of Education presented a wage proposal to the Ludington Education Association that includes salary increases of 2.5% each year for three years for members of the bargaining unit. The next negotiations meeting between LASD and LEA is scheduled for August 20, 2025 to review another board wage proposal. Both parties agreed to have Michigan Employment Relations Commission mediator Thomas Zulch assist the parties with reaching a successor agreement.
On August 1, 2025, both parties agreed to hold two mediation sessions on September 11 and 12, from 4 to 6:30 p.m., if needed.
“This proposal represents a strong commitment of valuing our teachers. Providing predictable, sustainable increases that recognize their dedication to our students,” said LASD Board President Bret Autrey. “We believe this offer strikes a balance between fiscal responsibility and our shared goal of attracting and retaining high-quality educators for our community.”
These discussions are taking place during a time of significant funding uncertainty for school districts across Michigan. The state legislature has not yet passed a budget for the upcoming fiscal year, leaving school districts without finalized funding allocations. This uncertainty makes it more challenging to plan responsibly for future staffing and programs, while still honoring commitments to employees.
“These discussions are complex and require careful consideration to ensure we meet both the needs of our staff and our obligations to students, families, and taxpayers,” Autrey said. “We are committed to continuing this process in good faith.”
Besides the current master agreement negotiations that began in April, LASD and LEA have also been negotiating topics that were previously prohibited by law to be bargained, such as classroom teacher evaluations and teacher placement issues. The last meeting on these matters occurred with a mediator on April 22, 2025, and the next scheduled session will be with fact finder Thomas North in October 2025.
As the district prepares for the new school year, LASD remains focused on its mission to provide high-quality learning experiences for every student. In recent years, Ludington Area School District has seen facility upgrades, expanded student programs, and continued community partnerships that enrich the educational experience.
“This is an important time for our district,” Dr. Autrey said. “By working together, we can reach agreements that support our educators while preserving the long-term financial health of our schools. Our students and staff deserve nothing less.”
Submitted by the Ludington Area School District Board of Education
Dr. Bret G. Autrey, president
Stephanie Reed, vice president
Michael W. Nagle, secretary
Steve Carlson, treasurer
Sarah Lowman, trustee
Alan Neushwander, trustee
Mike Winczewski, trustee
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