Negotiations update

We wanted to share with the community that the district and OSEA #124 are moving forward with mediation. We also are moving to mediation for the Central Education Association. The District’s perspective is that Association members should not have to wait a prolonged period of time to have a settled contract, and that the current course of bargaining is not likely to lead to the timely settlement that they deserve.  

Mediation is a tool through the state to hopefully help us close the gaps in the articles we currently are not seeing eye to eye. 

Below is the communication that went to CEA negotiation leadership today.  

I wanted to reach out to share that based on conversations that took place last night, we are informing you that we will be filing with the ERB to move to mediation, as we have met the required 150 negotiation days. Based on recent conversations at the bargaining table and hearing the Association team’s perspective on the progress of bargaining, it is clear that the parties are not close to agreement on numerous key issues. It seems that it would be more productive to move to mediation, as this is an available tool through the state. Hopefully, the mediator can help us close the gaps in the articles we currently are not seeing eye to eye.  The District’s perspective is that Association members should not have to wait a prolonged period of time to have a settled contract, and that the current course of bargaining is not likely to lead to the timely settlement that they deserve.  

We have continued to listen to CEA and tried to shift language to find a compromise that both parties could agree to. I am disappointed in the sentiment that you feel our team has been unprepared, as we have worked hard and many hours outside of bargaining time to work on language that both parties could support.

We also have a great interest in the safety of students and staff, which includes engagement with parents as partners as well as supporting students who we know have significant needs in their learning.  We also want quality healthcare and wages for our staff, while being financially responsible with public money as we make those decisions in support of staff.  

With that being said, as I am requesting mediation with the ERB today, therefore we will not be meeting tonight or on the 23rd. Please look for an email from the ERB with next steps specific to mediation.  I will be sending a cancellation of the calendar invite with information stating we are requesting mediation through the ERB.  

Thank you, 

Jennifer Kubista, Ed.D.

Superintendent

Central SD13J