Update: After an optimistic afternoon, the negotiations fell apart about 5 p.m. Thursday. The District put a new $4.5 million on the table about 2 p.m. to satisfy the MEA on early retirement. This was a huge move on the District's part. In response, the union moved $60,000 in its counter proposal. Bargaining is a tough process, and a lot of people keeping track try to spin the numbers depending on their mindset. This is the mathematical reality: one side moved a mile, the other moved about 70 feet. And regardless of which side you are on, this was an enormous disappointment after three days of school with substitute teachers. This city needs a resolution, but that requires two sides to bargain in good faith. Just a terrible way to end a promising start, and the result is that this strike will continue into next week. The District wants to end this, responsibly and fairly. Please help us find constructive solutions.
I am extremely disappointed. I care about the teachers and their families, but most especially I care about the students. So often people ask me to somehow get this settled, but both sides have to move. So sad.
Have a nice Valentines Day, somehow.
