By JAN McLAUGHLIN
BG Independent News
Bowling Green Board of Education approved a three-year collective bargaining agreement with the district’s 220 educators Tuesday evening.
Both sides came out of negotiations unscarred and speaking only in complimentary terms about the other.
Teacher Jeff Nichols, who has been president of the BG Education Association for 20 years, said he appreciated the “very cordial, very professional” negotiations held in March, adding that the teachers were pleased with the proposals made by Superintendent Ted Haselman and Treasurer Matt Feasel.
“I’m proud of our district, of all we do together,” and the resolution that will bring about “labor peace” for the next three years from July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2029, Nichols said.
Haselman, who has been through contract negotiations with BGEA twice now, said working with the district teachers is unlike his previous negotiations at other districts.
“This is an organization second to none,” with both sides willing to compromise, he said.
“I can tell you most superintendents can’t say this – but it was pleasurable,” Haselman said of the negotiations.
After the meeting, Feasel said the new salary schedule awarded longevity, with a first year increase of 1.8%, followed by second and third year increases of 1.75%.
“It was very responsible,” Feasel said.
Nichols, who is retiring after 35 years at BGHS, said the new contract continued the administration’s efforts to “stop the bleeding,” of teachers leaving BG for better paying districts.
“We tried to arrive at a salary that kept our district competitive with surrounding districts,” Nichols said. “Salaries that would keep people here.”
Since prioritizing competitive pay, district leaders have found that students’ state test scores have improved with less turnover of teachers, Nichols said.
Nichols also praised both sides for rising above the “chaos at the state level,” to focus on education and a three-year contract. “Instead of worrying about all that noise on the outside,” he said.
One change in the agreement will allow the board of education to rehire retiring teachers in certain areas of certification. Nichols said in recent years the board has struggled to find qualified teaching candidates in some areas of math and science. The new rehire component will give the board “something to fall back on if they need it,” he said.
Citing the 3,840 minutes until he retires, Nichols shared with the board his pride at teaching in Bowling Green City Schools.
“It’s been 35 years ago when I was going to stay one year and then go somewhere else,” he said.
Nichols found BG as the “place to be,” and recent state scores of 4.5 of 5 stars prove that point, he said.
He spoke of a recent golf outing, where a lot of BGHS alumni attended to reconnect with friends and faculty. There were doctors, lawyers, mechanics, carpenters, artists and business owners – sharing positive memories of their experiences at BG schools.
Board President Ardy Gonyer thanked Nichols for his years of service as a teacher, coach and labor leader.
And Nichols acknowledged Gonyer’s history with the district. “I remember you in class,” Nichols said with a smile.
He praised the board for hiring “two of the best leaders I’ve ever worked for,” Nichols said of Haselman and Feasel.
And he encouraged the leadership to keep working to better the district.
“Keep the fight alive,” Nichols said, suggesting that the district continue to unify the district by taking care of the elementary buildings in a couple years.
Taking Nichols’ place at the head of the BGEA will be Bob Marzola, who has served as vice president of the organization for 10 years. Nichols predicted it would be a seamless transition.
