The Mars Area School Board has presented the teachers union with a new contract proposal in an effort to come to an agreement and avert a possible strike.
According to Board Solicitor Tom Breth, recent negotiations have been side-bar sessions but the latest proposal made public Thursday represents another effort by the school board to compromise.
“We’re going to spend our time, and are spending our time, on a comprehensive written proposal. We want it to be meaningful and we want it to be a positive step toward getting an agreement,” Breth said.
A bargaining session took place Wednesday night, after which the union notified district administrators of plans to strike February 19th unless an agreement is reached. In November, union members voted to authorize negotiators to call for a work stoppage.
Mars teachers have been working without a contract since last summer. The major sticking point continues to be wages with Breth stating that the board is willing to compromise.
“The board has put a significant amount of time, as the teachers have. This is a function the inability to reach a common ground in wages. The board has given as much as they can give in all the other areas, including saying we’re not asking for any changes in healthcare which is a significant part of any negotiation,” Breth said.
Representatives with the Pennsylvania State Education Association could not be immediately reached for comment. Another negotiating session is planned for February 17th but could take place sooner.
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