001The 2019 Indiana General Assembly enacted legislation Senator Rolled Act 390 codified at the Indiana Code 20-29-6-1 paragraph B requiring school requiring a school employer and school employees to hold a public hearing and to take public testimony to discuss the items described in the Indiana Teacher Collective Bargaining Law, specifically Indiana Code 20-29-6-1. on paragraph A before engaging in formal collective bargaining. Therefore, the mechanical school corporation and the mechanical education association hereby convene this public hearing in accordance with Senate ruled act 390. The board and its representative are joined by today by Mr. Jeremy Noinger from the association for this joint hearing. Thank you for being here, Mr. Ninger. As with all public comment before the school board, the parties request that all who speak at this hearing sign in on the sheet located on the podium.
002Please limit comments to the subject at hand and speak concisely and cordially. The hearing is now open for public comment. >> Yes, first of all, good evening. Thanks for having this special meeting on a on a random September night. Um I guess to appease the state and all their red tape at bargaining these days. Um, appreciate that for sure. Um, you know, a couple years ago when we bargained, I think we did some things to set us up for success this time. For example, $45,000 minimum salary and talking to some of the locals in the area, they're going to struggle. Um, so, you know, I think we're in a good spot as far as bargaining goes. Um, you know, we still got some work to do. I guess it's it's always my goal to have
003the best contract in the area, make sure we can retain folks and also attract new hires when we need to. So, um, again, thanks for having the meeting. Look forward to working with Mr. Jernig and his his folks on, uh, having some conversations, getting this done sooner rather than later. >> Thank you. Is there any other comments, board comments, questions? I think historically, it's always been a very productive process. So, thank you for your contribution. >> Anybody else? Hearing none, I will close this hearing for collective bargaining.