Teachers and School District at Odds Over Contract Talks

In a recent turn of events, the Bellwood-Antis School District and the Bellwood-Antis Education Association couldn't reach an agreement on a new teachers' contract. The negotiations lasted nearly four hours, but no deal was made.

Union's Claims

The union stated that the district was late in presenting a verbal offer that didn't consider their previous proposal. They also claimed that the district walked away from the table after 3.5 hours and refused to schedule further meetings. As a result, the union is planning to hold a strike vote.

District's Response

The district, however, denied the union's claims. They asserted that they presented a solid proposal covering health care, retirement, and salaries. The district even sweetened their salary offer and agreed to add more steps to the salary schedule, as requested by the union.

Union's New Demands

The union, however, refused the offer unless the district met new demands regarding how teachers are placed on the salary schedule. These demands are part of a labor practice complaint filed by the district, with a hearing scheduled for December.

District's Financial Concerns

The district argued that two of the union's financial demands are too expensive. They proposed that the union join them in requesting a fact-finder to help resolve the issues, but the union did not immediately respond. As a result, the district proceeded to ask for the fact-finder on their own.

The district emphasized that they have already raised taxes to the maximum allowed by the state to cover salary and benefit costs. They also mentioned that they have to borrow money just to meet payroll, which is why they believe a fact-finder is necessary.

Strike Vote

Meanwhile, the union is moving forward with their strike vote, set for the end of October.