By David Yastremiski
The Belleville Education Association (BEA) recently settled a transformative agreement, built on the largest and most inclusive negotiations team in the association’s history, which led to the association becoming a finalist for the 2024 Jim George Bargaining Award.
With 12 members representing every unit across all school levels, from teachers and counselors to nurses, specialists and child study team members, the team brought a wide range of experience and voice to the bargaining table, leading BEA to achieve a five-year contract that made significant improvements to the salary guides and after-hours stipends.
BEA President Michael Mignone credits the team’s diversity and experience for settling the agreement.
“Team members had their fingers on the pulse of their individual units,” said Mignone. “They understood the intricacies of each job and could personally speak from experience. There was no longer a loss of translation between the members and the negotiations team because a member of each unit was present and could explain things.”
At the table, Mignone was joined by several BEA leaders, including Professional Rights and Responsibilities Committee Chairperson Kara Suttora and Treasurer Peter Ayal. They prioritized a diverse group of roles and experienced association leaders, including negotiations chairperson Ryan Sheridan, along with Ann Monahan, Charles Moran, Christine Hurta, Denise Gizzo, Joy Alfano and Lynne Padalino. In addition, joining the team for their first round of negotiations were Alison Joyce, Joette Nigro and Michelle Anders.
Preparation and focus
Central to the team’s effectiveness was its emphasis on preparation and focus. Every proposal brought forward was backed by a clear, researched rationale, ensuring that arguments were not just compelling but well-reasoned and supported by data. However, selling those arguments was not always easy.
“The team weathered what were often contentious bargaining sessions without backing down from the positions they committed to,” said UniServ Field Representative Adrian Rodriguez.
Over the years, BEA has experienced a range of interactions with the district’s leadership. But Mignone emphasized that BEA still maintains a foundation of mutual trust, carefully built over time.
“A good relationship takes a long time to develop respect and trust,” Mignone noted. “But it pays off in the end.”
One of BEA’s primary goals in this round of negotiations was to establish a more competitive starting salary.
“We knew we needed a better starting rate to attract good teachers to our district,” Mignone said. “That’s how we build a stronger future for all our members.”
Beyond immediate outcomes, Mignone and the BEA team kept their sights set on the long term.
“We may not get everything we want at first,” he explained, “but once something is in the contract, it’s there—and that creates an opportunity to maximize its impact in future negotiations.”
This forward-thinking approach allowed the team to strategize their proposals, ensuring that any current gains can pave the way for continued growth and improvement in future bargaining.
A strong advocate for member engagement, Mignone encourages local leaders to bring all voices into the fold, even the dissenting ones.
“One piece of advice I can offer is to welcome your critics,” he said. “If someone has questions or concerns, bring them to the table. If someone is unhappy, start planning with them. Members can’t just complain; we need to solve the problem together.”
This latest contract marks BEA’s second five-year agreement, a structure that Mignone believes offers clarity and consistency for everyone involved.
“During year one, you discover the kinks in the new agreement,” Mignone said. “In years two and three, you observe and reflect. That gives you time to determine what needs to be improved for the next round. You can’t just always react to problems—you need time to build real solutions.”
With a strategic focus, deep member engagement, and a clear vision for the future, the Belleville Education Association has secured a contract that not only honors the immediate contributions of its members but also lays a strong foundation for continued progress and success in years to come.
The agreement included:
- A 20.7% increase for all units over the five years of the agreement
- A 4.1% annual increase average compared to the county average of 3.6%
- An increase in the starting salary of $16,000 over the term of the contract.
- Significant increases in class coverage and after-hours work including coaching stipends, curriculum work, home instruction and summer hours.
- Increased coaches’ stipends for the first time in five years.
- An increased in the tuition reimbursement pool by $25,000
- Added longevity after 10 years of service.