An upcoming mediation session between the Kewanee School Board and the district’s teachers union might finally bring the two sides closer to settling a contract dispute that’s been going on for 2 1/2 months.
Earlier this week the school board made what it called its “last, best and final” contract offer to the union representing teachers and support staff.
According to a news release issued by the board, the offer would raise salaries for teachers from 14 to 24 percent over the next three years, depending on how much seniority a teacher has.
The offer sets out four categories of seniority: Up to three years, two to eight years, 9 to 11 years and 12 or more years.
The impasse now appears to be over how to place individual teachers into the four categories.
On Wednesday, the president of the Kewanee Education Association, which represents teachers and other school staff. responded to the board’s offer.
KEA President Ruth Kapacinskas released a statement that said, “It’s unfortunate Dr. Sullens is playing games in the media. We are serious about coming to an agreement.
“We are pushing for equitable pay for all of our teachers and support staff, however we still lack answers on how wage and salary placement determinations are made,” Kapacinskas continued. “The system for these placements needs clarity, but we have yet to receive it. We are looking forward to our next mediation session on Nov. 15.”
Kapacinskas’s statement did not comment on whether the salary increases offered by the board are acceptable to the union.
The school board’s news release concluded: “The Board and KEA have scheduled another mediation session that will take place in two weeks. The purpose of this meeting is to continue discussions concerning placement of certified staff members into the four groupings.”
KEA members, which also include other district employees ranging from teacher aides to cafeteria staff and bus drivers, have been working without a contract since their previous contract expired Aug. 15.
