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THE ISSUE
Approximately 75 Brandywine Education Association (BEA) members and supporters attended Monday night’s Brandywine Board of Education meeting to make their presence felt and to speak on issues regarding contract negotiations. Teachers in the district say they are disappointed with the progress of negotiations and are upset that the district has forced them into mediation.
WHAT’S HAPPENED
Tim Barchak, director of legislation and political organizing at Delaware State Education Association spoke in favor of Brandywine’s teachers.
“This is an important time to communicate with your educators,” said Barchak. “Our working conditions are a child’s learning conditions.”
Sandra Shoemaker, a parent and teacher for 12 years, asked the board directly, “what have we done to have specific issues challenged in our contract?”
Brandywine School District Superintendent Dr. Mark Holodick offered an answer via email to CommunityPub.
“The Brandywine School District Board of Education and administration recognizes and values the dedication of teachers and all staff,” he wrote. “The board and I understand that there are a handful of items delaying our ability to move forward with negotiating a contract both sides will feel good about. At times, as was the case at the board meeting Monday night, those issues can touch a nerve and emotions can come into play. It is unfortunate but common during difficult negotiations to lose sight of what the sides have in common and work well on, and instead focus on issues where we have yet to find common ground.
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Is there an issue you If you’re wondering about something, send your idea to: EMAIL: danielle.bouchat@communitypub.com
PHONE: |
“Whether an agreement is reached through negotiation or mediation, the important thing is that an agreement is reached that is fair to all parties. At the end of the day, it is imperative that the contract be fair and allow for the district – all of us, working together – to meet the needs of all students.”
WHAT’S NEXT
The next Brandywine School Board meeting will be held on Jan. 23. Mediation sessions are scheduled for Feb. 6, 21, and 22.
THE ISSUE
Approximately 75 Brandywine Education Association (BEA) members and supporters attended Monday night’s Brandywine Board of Education meeting to make their presence felt and to speak on issues regarding contract negotiations. Teachers in the district say they are disappointed with the progress of negotiations and are upset that the district has forced them into mediation.
WHAT’S HAPPENED
Tim Barchak, director of legislation and political organizing at Delaware State Education Association spoke in favor of Brandywine’s teachers.
“This is an important time to communicate with your educators,” said Barchak. “Our working conditions are a child’s learning conditions.”
Sandra Shoemaker, a parent and teacher for 12 years, asked the board directly, “what have we done to have specific issues challenged in our contract?”
Brandywine School District Superintendent Dr. Mark Holodick offered an answer via email to CommunityPub.
“The Brandywine School District Board of Education and administration recognizes and values the dedication of teachers and all staff,” he wrote. “The board and I understand that there are a handful of items delaying our ability to move forward with negotiating a contract both sides will feel good about. At times, as was the case at the board meeting Monday night, those issues can touch a nerve and emotions can come into play. It is unfortunate but common during difficult negotiations to lose sight of what the sides have in common and work well on, and instead focus on issues where we have yet to find common ground.
|
Is there an issue you If you’re wondering about something, send your idea to: EMAIL: danielle.bouchat@communitypub.com
PHONE: |
“Whether an agreement is reached through negotiation or mediation, the important thing is that an agreement is reached that is fair to all parties. At the end of the day, it is imperative that the contract be fair and allow for the district – all of us, working together – to meet the needs of all students.”
WHAT’S NEXT
The next Brandywine School Board meeting will be held on Jan. 23. Mediation sessions are scheduled for Feb. 6, 21, and 22.
