West Frankfort school district leaders and the teacher's union are continuing negotiations Wednesday on a new contract. Teachers could go on strike October 26th after the union filed an intent to strike on October 16th.
Speaking to a room full of teachers and community members at Monday's West Frankfort School Board meeting, retired teacher Robert Maragni voiced his support for those teachers as they continue to bargain with the district for a new contract, "The only way for this issue to become a win-win situation is to have a respectful dialogue that can find solutions that honor both financial responsibilities of the board and self-respect to the teachers."
The teachers through their union and the district have been negotiating since May. The previous contract expired in August. After filing an intent to strike, teachers could hit the picket line as soon as October 26th.
Union President Tim Aldridge says he hopes they can avoid a strike. There are several items keeping both sides from an agreement, but pay increases seem to be the key sticking point.
The current contract maxes out with 18 steps for years of experience combined with teacher education levels. Aldridge says the teachers want to add a step for each of these education levels, "All we're asking for is for teachers to be, for them to follow the previous contract with the pay schedule we had and teachers be credited with their years experience and and receive and be rewarded for their years experience."
District Superintendent Matt Donkin says they're trying to maintain historically low tax rates for residents. He also says they're facing a deficit due to cuts in funding from state and federal sources, which is tying their hands, "It's a little bit of a challenge and we're trying to weather that storm over the next couple of years. When we've had funds, we've tried to get them to our employees. This time we're in a little bit tougher environment."
Both sides are scheduled to meet Wednesday afternoon for another meeting. Aldridge and Duncan both agree they hope they're able to reach an agreement and continue serving the students of West Frankfort.
