The Human Cost of Disrespect: A Financial Crisis

This is not an abstract financial debate; it is a crisis for our families.

The proposed contract — with no raise, no step increase, and soaring insurance premiums — results in a devastating effective pay cut for Hamilton Southeastern educators.

Our teachers are facing impossible choices and real debt.
These are their voices — the people who teach, mentor, and support our community’s children every single day. 

“I’ll be making $3,000 less next year.”

“I’m having to support a family of four, and I have no idea how I’m ever going to do it in the future.” 

“I’ve drained my savings to make ends meet.”

“As a single parent supporting two children in college, I have had to cut internet, cable, and other services to my home. I’ve drained most of my savings to make ends meet and I am terrified that the health insurance hike is going to put me in debt.”

“We’re being punished for doing what’s right.”

“The PPO option necessary for children with severe medical needs will cost our family over $12,000 more next year. How can a family survive with such an insane insurance increase and without a pay increase to help?” 

“We’ve always given our best.”

“As two veteran teachers, we’ve always given our best — volunteering for committees, supporting students beyond the classroom, and staying committed to our school community.  With one child in college and another preparing to go soon, our budget is already stretched thin. A reduction in pay feels like a complete slap in the face.”

“I invested in my education to be a better teacher — and now I’m being punished for it.”

“As a teacher for the past 14 years, I used my personal time & money to pursue a master’s degree. My husband & I saved for the program, believing it would benefit both my students & our family.  Now, I will not receive the master’s pay increase I worked toward, and I can’t afford to pay off my student loans. We’re facing financial hardship that may force one of us to leave the profession altogether.”

“I want to plan for my future, but I can’t”

“As a third-year teacher, I am financially hanging on by a thread. To be frank, I take home $3,000 a month That is enough for my car payment, rent, student loans, bills, groceries, and almost nothing else. How am I ever supposed to afford children? How am I ever supposed to afford a wedding? How am I ever supposed to afford a house? I got into this profession because of my passion for teaching and my passion for students, but I cannot stay if my pay does not increase or even decreases.”

“I want to be an independent adult, but this contract would keep me from that.”

“The presented contract would impact me because it means that I am losing the money I need to live. I just moved and as a teacher who is already barely making a livable wage, this would mean I would not be able to afford to live independently. As someone who loves teaching and ability to teach, I am fearful that this contract means that I will not be able to continue doing what I love.”

These are not statistics — they are real people. 

Our teachers are the backbone of this district.
They are mentors, parents, neighbors, and the foundation of our students’ success.

This contract doesn’t just impact paychecks.

It threatens the stability, morale, and future of the educators who make HSE exceptional.

This is the human cost of disrespect.