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Middlesex board says contract talks with teachers continue; public urges faster action
Summary
Board negotiator reported ongoing mediation and scheduled follow-up sessions in the district's talks with the Middlesex Education Association; public commenters urged urgency and transparency, criticizing offers as inadequate and warning of teacher departures.
At its meeting, the Middlesex Borough School District board received an update that negotiations with the Middlesex Education Association remain active and that a mediator-led follow-up session is scheduled for March 24.
The superintendent’s negotiating report said the two negotiating teams have met eight times and that a mediator met with both parties for more than four hours on Jan. 27. "A follow-up session has now been scheduled for Monday, March 24," the report said.
The update listed outstanding topics including the district's right to implement block scheduling at the high school and the union’s right to negotiate the impact of any such scheduling change. The report stated that the wages offered are "at or above the county average" and said both sides continue to work toward a mutually acceptable resolution.
During the meeting’s public-comment period, a resident identified as Montana OC sharply criticized the board’s handling of the expired contract. "You didn't settle a new contract before the original one expired. That's almost a failure of leadership," the resident said, and accused the district of sending a message that "teachers' financial stability . . . come second." The speaker said offers on the table were "not competitive" and warned that teachers were resigning or retiring early in response.
A district representative responded during the public-comment period that negotiation details are confidential and that there is an established process for what happens during the interim period between an expired contract and a successor agreement. The board member said, "The board can't share it with the public," and explained that interim arrangements are part of the negotiations.
Why it matters: The contract governs pay, scheduling and work conditions that affect classroom staffing. Community speakers said stalled talks and perceived low offers could accelerate teacher departures, which speakers said would directly affect students.
What’s next: The district named March 24 as the next mediation date. The negotiator reported progress but said additional sessions will be necessary.
