Schools

Teachers' Union Rep Says School Board has 'Dug Their Heels In'

Saturday is last chance for a contract agreement before strike

 

A representative of the Ohio Education Association said there was "no movement" toward a settlement during the latest round of contract talks between Strongsville school officials and the teachers' union.

"The board did not come in with a proposal," said Todd Jaeck, labor relations consultant for the OEA. "It seems they have dug their heels in for a prolonged strike."

Find out what's happening in Strongsvillewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The two sides met for more than four hours Monday evening.

Another meeting is scheduled for 9 a.m. Saturday at a federal mediator's office in Independence.

Find out what's happening in Strongsvillewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

"That's the last session before a strike," Jaeck said.

Superintendent John Krupinski could not yet be reached for comment. (Strongville Patch will update the story once Krupinski can be contacted).

The Strongsville Education Association has if a contract settlement is not reached.

Teachers are reportedly removing their personal belongings from classrooms, and the school district is advertising for substitute teachers

During Monday's negotiating session, groups of teachers gathered in front of the five school board members' homes, holding candles and signs and chanting "fair contract" to passing cars.

Meanwhile, the SEA has distributed both sides' proposals to its 385 members, but has not yet taken the School Board up on its challenge to post them publicly on the school district's website.

The school district has hired Huffmaster Strike Services to help manage a potential work stoppage. A Huffmaster company called Alternate Workforce Inc., is handling the hiring of substitute teachers in the event of a strike.

Subs much have a valid Ohio teaching license or certification, the ad says, and must undergo a background check.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

More from Strongsville