Tentative Agreement with Support Staff

The Hemlock Board of Education and Support Staff have reached a tentative agreement for the next three years. The parties negotiated over the course of a couple of months meeting several times to iron out a mutually beneficial agreement.

Superintendent Don Killingbeck, said, “We are fortunate to have an amazing group of hard working and dedicated support staff members that care tremendously about kids. We are also blessed to have a positive outlook and be able to reward the hard working and dedicated support staff members with modest wage increases, maintaining health care, and clarify several items in the contract."

The support staff ratified the agreement on Wednesday, June 28th and the Board of Education is set to approve it at their next regularly scheduled board meeting.

Vice President and Negotiation Chair Matt Wesener, gave praise for the support staff negotiation team and noted, "The best thing about working with the staff on negotiating a new contract is that everyone shares the same passion, dedication, and vision that truly makes Hemlock Public Schools such a wonderful place. We were able to quickly come to an agreement that is mutually beneficial for everyone and will continue to allow for our district to be successful."


The bargaining unit represents dozens of support staff members that include secretaries, food service, custodians, maintenance, transportation, and para-professionals. The new contract will be posted on the district’s website, along with budgetary and other financial transparency items, can be viewed by visiting the district’s website at hemlockps.com and clicking on the link labeled Budget and Salary/Compensation that appears in the upper right corner after Board of Education approval.

President Katherine Ellison, said, "The support staff are an invaluable part of the school system. They are often the first people children see in the morning and the last to leave the buildings at night. I couldn’t be happier that we were able to negotiate a contract beneficial to both parties."


The district is excited to have strengthened their partnership with the support staff and demonstrating their appreciation not only in word but with tangible finances too. Hemlock Public School District continues to be a destination for families seeking a great place for their children to learn and grow.

If you would like more information about this or other positive happenings at Hemlock Public School District, please visit us on the web at hemlockps.com or call (989) 642-5282.