Auroraadvocate.com - Teachers show support; contact goes to mediator

by Ken Lahmers

Editor

Aurora -- Nearly 125 teachers attended the Board of Education's Sept. 28 meeting dressed in black and sporting buttons stating "We're worth more."

According to Aurora Education Association President Josue Perez, they were there "to demonstrate our collective feelings" about the impasse in contract negotiations between the union and School Board.

"Our members feel very strongly about our position, which we consider to be quite reasonable considering the level of excellence that our district has achieved," said Perez.

He added the association is "hopeful for a settlement that is amicable for both sides and we look forward to our next session with the federal mediator."

According to Superintendent Russ Bennett, the contract negotiations have moved on to a federal mediator after earlier talks with the school district did not lead to a new contract proposal.

Bennett said the teachers have continued to work under the provisions of their old contract, which expired Sept. 1, and they've continued to receive their step raises.

Negotiations have been taking place since early 2009.

"This is a sad time to work through, but we're hoping the process will lead to a fair and equitable settlement for both sides," Bennett said.

The superintendent and AEA president both declined to comment on the issues which have led to the talks proceeding to a federal negotiator since the matter is still being debated.

"We're following the rules set forth in our negotiated agreement in regard to negotiating with our entire team and the board's representatives," Perez said.

At last week's Board meeting, Perez read a brief statement, which said the following:

"We are here this evening to demonstrate our disappointment in the negotiations process. We're asking for a fair and equitable contract, which reflects our continued hard work and commitment to the success of our students and our district.

"We hope that this will be resolved quickly in order to forget forward in a positive working relationship so that we can continue providing the best education for our students."

School Board President Jerry Kohanski said the Board must work under budget constraints and must take into consideration the current economic climate.

"We have two major responsibilities," he said. "The first is providing a quality education for our students and the second is to do that in fairness to the taxpayers.

"I am hopeful we can reach a settlement in the matter very soon."

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