Residents press for teacher-contract transparency; committee adds member to negotiations subcommittee

Residents and trustees pressed for information on certified staff contract negotiations at the Chariho Regional School Committee meeting Aug. 19, and the committee voted to expand its NEA-certified negotiations subcommittee.

Retired educator Mary Mason asked whether the committee would provide a public update about negotiations with the certified staff union ahead of the collective-bargaining agreement’s Aug. 31 expiration. Mason asked for dates of negotiation sessions and whether arbitration or mediation had been considered. The superintendent said, citing legal advice and confidentiality around negotiations, that staff would respond through a public-records route to ensure information released complies with legal guidance.

Later in the meeting the committee considered adding Laura Chapman to the NEA-certified negotiation subcommittee. Some trustees urged tabling the membership change so Chapman could speak in person; others said Chapman had expressed interest and had relevant expertise. The motion to add Chapman passed. Meeting minutes record members who voted in favor (Polly, Louise, Pat, Larry and Diane), opposed (Linda, Jess, Craig and Karen) and one abstention (Tyler). Trustees noted a member added to the subcommittee would be able to attend meetings but would not vote on negotiations if not formally seated for a particular session.

Ending: The superintendent told the committee she will provide publicly releasable information requested through the district’s public-records process; the committee directed that certified-bargaining updates be provided in executive session at the next meeting as requested by a trustee.