Kalamazoo Educators Challenge KRESA Over Contract Negotiations

Classes have commenced at the newly established Career Connect Campus in Kalamazoo, Michigan, but educators are currently operating without a formal contract. The Kalamazoo Career Technical Education Association, which represents these educators, has filed a complaint with the Michigan Employment Relations Commission alleging unfair labor practices by the Kalamazoo Regional Education Service Agency (KRESA) during contract negotiations.

The complaint was lodged on August 28, 2024, and outlines concerns that KRESA has adopted a rigid stance in negotiations. “The administration at the Career Connect Campus hasn’t really given any ground,” said Brian Brusach, the union president. He emphasized that the union is seeking basic, foundational elements for a contract.

Concerns About Negotiation Stalemate

The union, which was established last year, initiated negotiations in November 2024. Brusach expressed frustration with KRESA’s approach, stating that the ongoing delay in reaching an agreement jeopardizes the success of the entire career technical education program. He said, “KRESA administrators continue to drag their feet on negotiating a contract with Career Connect Campus instructors, and it’s placing the success of the entire career tech operation at risk.”

The Career Connect Campus, a state-of-the-art facility costing $100 million, allows students in Kalamazoo County to engage in career-focused classes during regular school hours. With a size of 162,000 square feet, it represents a significant advancement in local educational offerings. Previously, students traveled to various school districts for similar programs, and the educators here bring relevant industry experience to their teaching roles.

KRESA Superintendent Dedrick Martin countered the union’s claims, asserting that KRESA has been negotiating in good faith. “Our goal has always been to reach a fair and mutually beneficial agreement that supports both our educators and our students,” he stated in a formal release.

Key Issues Under Negotiation

The union’s complaint alleges that KRESA has “unlawfully adopted an unwavering bargaining position” and refuses to consider the union’s proposals. Central issues include wage negotiations and disciplinary procedures for educators. Brusach noted that the union is advocating for a retroactive 9% wage increase for Career Connect Campus educators.

In contrast, KRESA has proposed that wage rates be determined solely by the agency, which would prevent the union from negotiating wages during the proposed four-year contract period. KRESA’s Board of Trustees approved a 5% pay raise for all KRESA employees in the spring of 2024, followed by an additional 4% increase in the spring of 2025. Brusach highlighted that instructors are currently facing a 9% pay decrease due to the administration’s reluctance to negotiate effectively.

Another significant aspect of the negotiations pertains to disciplinary procedures. The union is pushing for a structured disciplinary process to be outlined in an employee handbook. Currently, the superintendent has the final say in disciplinary matters, a system Brusach argues is not impartial and does not reflect industry standards. “It just doesn’t make any sense on why we would agree to that,” he remarked.

Brusach expressed hope that the filing of the complaint would prompt KRESA to adopt a more flexible approach to negotiations. Meanwhile, Martin reiterated KRESA’s commitment to continuing discussions, stating that while there may be differing perspectives, the agency seeks a resolution that benefits both educators and students.

The ongoing situation at the Career Connect Campus highlights the complexities of labor negotiations in education and the critical importance of reaching an agreement that supports the needs of both educators and students.