District 308 Contract Negotiations Set to Continue Dec. 11

The Oswego 308 School Board and the Oswego Education Association (OEA) will meet Tuesday, Dec. 11, to continue to discuss contract negotiations.

OEA president Darla Medernach said at that time the OEA will present a counter proposal, as requested by the school board.

The OEA opted not to put the board’s previous proposal to a vote by their membership back on Nov. 16.

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The board’s proposal included a .5 percent, 1 percent and 1.5 percent increase over three years on a three-year contract for all teachers with lane increases but no salary step increases.

Board President Bill Walsh said in terms of the step increases teachers would still receive that year’s service credit and the salary schedule would have no impact on the teacher’s seniority within the district or the Teacher Retirement System (TRS).

“The board appreciates all the administration and staff and teachers,” said Walsh. “Unfortunately, this economy puts financial constraints on how the board can show their great appreciation in dollars.”

The previous proposal also included work hours for high school teachers who switched to 8-flex scheduling from block scheduling.

The board had proposed the flexibility to assign teachers six instructional periods with one prep period or five instructional periods with one prep plus one supervision period.

The OEA originally requested to keep the current scheduling, which includes five periods of classroom instructional time, one prep period, one supervision period and one duty-free lunch period.

“Both parties want what is best for the students and to provide the best education for the students,” said Walsh. “I hope we can come to a resolution that everyone feels is fair.” 

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