Dear NMFT Members:
NMFT and the District met for the 2025-2026 contract reopener bargaining on Wednesday September 24th and Friday September 26th.
Salary increase continues to be one of the most important items we have been discussing. To date, we have seen little movement from the District in this important matter. Since June, NMFT has met with the district over 8 times. The district’s first salary increase proposal was .97% (not even a fullpercentage).The current proposal from the district is 1.6%.
The District’s budget continues to grow year after year (currently over half a billion dollars) and student enrollment has been stable the last four years. At the conclusion of the 2024-2025 school year, the District offered the Supplemental Employee Retirement Plan (SERP) which will result in staffing cost savings for the District. The District has been able to build its savings while also funding special projects. While districts that primarily receive State funding may experience economic turbulence, declining enrollment, and the consolidation of schools, NMUSD’s status as a basic aid district (receives revenue from property taxes), along with other factors mentioned above, puts the district in a financially healthy place – a status the District has maintained for years.
We believe the NMUSD educators should be paid in a way that demonstrates your immense value and reflects the District’s positive, unique financial situation.
NMFT will continue to advocate that your salary, along with many other key items, reflects your incredible worth. Your Union deeply appreciates your participation and support. To get more involved and learn how to support the Union as we continue this discussion with the District, please reach out to your site representative.
We are Stronger Together!
2025 Negotiations Team
Tamara Fairbanks, NMFT Treasurer
Tanya Golden, NMFT Executive Director
Quang Nguyen, NMFT Site Representative/Election Committee
Kirby Piazza, NMFT Site Representative/Election Committee Chair
Rhonda Reid, NMFT President/CFT & OCLF Vice President
Anthony Solis, Chief Negotiator/CFT Field Representative
Jeff Vonnahme, NMFT Site Representative
Union Strong,
Rhonda Reid
President
NMFT, Union of Educators