ROXANA, IL (KMOX) - As KMOX reported last week, a federal mediator has been called in to help resolve a contract dispute between Roxana, Illinois teachers and the district. Now teachers are taking their issues to families, staging an informational picket in front of the district's administration building -- on the same day parents are registering their children for school. Total Information AM's Megan Lynch spoke with Roxana Education Association President Kim Jones. "We've been at the table since January." Listen to their interview below.
In a release, the union says the key sticking points include:
Pay Scale - "The wages being proposed by the district do not value our experienced educators."
Vacancy Language - "Currently, teachers in Roxana are given an advanced opportunity to apply for any open positions within the district. The district is looking to eliminate the policy."
Respect - "The district’s overall lack of respect and communication during the bargaining process have made reaching an agreement extraordinarily difficult."
Jones tells KMOX it's likely teachers will start the school year without a contract. She says the current proposals aren't working to retain teachers with the most experience.
When asked if it will be upsetting to families -- and children -- to see teachers on an informational picket Jones says, "we don't want to start the school year and parents not have any idea we're coming back without a contract."
The union says it's waiting for the district's latest proposal. "At this point, we have no intention of striking. However, that being said, we are willing to do whatever's necessary to make sure we have the best contract in place that supports our students, and our community, and our teachers."
In a statement sent to KMOX News, the district says:
"The Board of Education is aware of the Roxana Education Association’s recent press release and informational picket. We respect the right of employees to express their views and advocate for their interests throughout the collective bargaining process.
The Board and its administrative team remain committed to bargaining in good faith and to reaching a fair agreement that supports our staff, students, and community."
Teachers union stage an informational picket outside administration building on the first day of registration
Teachers union stage an informational picket outside administration building on the first day of registration
