Teachers show support for contract settlement

More than 40 teachers wore T-shirts and three carried signs urging an immediate settlement to wage negotiations during the first part of the November 13 Sisters School Board meeting.

Two of the signs read "Settle NOW!" The third said "Compensate EXCELLENCE."

Before the meeting, teacher Chuck DeKay said the teacher's union and the board "were closer" to a contract agreement. He declined to give details.

"When we met last time (on Wednesday, November 8) the board made an offer and we countered back. I think both sides felt it was productive," DeKay said.

Initially teachers had asked for a six percent increase after the school board had budgeted for no salary increases whatsoever for this year.

In addition to wage increases, teachers have sought two contract language revisions. One involves the handling of complaints, and the other, "fair share," mandates that all teachers would be required to pay union dues or donate the equivalent to a charity.

The board has also requested two language revisions.

DeKay said that the language and salary issues were going to be taken together and not separated during negotiations. He said the rally was to show the board "we are glad that they are back at the table and we as a staff want to encourage them to meet with the (teacher's) negotiating team and reach a settlement."

Board member Harold Gott agreed with DeKay's assessment that the last meeting, while rushed because it was held on a night of parent teacher conferences, "was friendly."

Gott said the board was in a holding pattern until all five board members were available and could meet and discuss the progress of talks.

Of the rally, Gott said "I think it is always wise to not do things which incite. We want an amicable settlement. We are all on the same team."

After teachers left the board meeting, Diana Prichard, who is negotiating for the teachers, said the board and budget committee chose to spend $200,000 more this year than last year without considering raises for the staff.

Prichard did not say this is where the pay raises should come from, responding "That is their job (the school board's)," to make that decision.

Prichard said the teachers have talked to the board and "we believe the money is there."

Board chairman Bill Reed has worried that with salaries making up 80 percent of the budget and revenues fixed by the State of Oregon (and unknown during negotiations), only by cutting programs, cutting staff or increasing class size could pay raises be offered.

Further discussions were expected this week.