Board approves teachersunion tentative agreement after 4-2 vote amid budget concerns

The L'Anse Creuse Public Schools Board of Education voted 4-2 on March 16 to approve a tentative agreement with the Lance Creuse Education Association (LCEA).

Board member Doss moved to approve the agreement, with D'Avila seconding. In roll call, members Doss, D'Avila, Cypress and Lipsky voted yes; Sellers and Herndon voted no. The motion carried.

During discussion, a board member who announced a no vote said they support higher pay generally but argued the district's multi-year budget shortfall makes the deal unaffordable and predicted further layoffs and the possible need to close multiple schools if costs are not reduced. The speaker said the district "has not passed a balanced budget in nearly three years" and warned the contract would deepen the deficit.

Kelly McDevitt, president of the Lance Creuse Education Association, addressed the board during public comment and thanked the four board members who supported the tentative agreement. McDevitt said 93% of LCEA members who voted supported the agreement, calling the result an "overwhelming vote of confidence." She urged continued collaboration in service of students.

Several board members framed their votes in fiduciary terms. One member who supported approval said the district had obtained significant grant funding for instructional programs and emphasized a need to balance support for teachers with responsibility to taxpayers and other employee groups.

The board approved the agreement during the meeting's agenda before a scheduled break. No further details on final contract language or implementation timelines were given at the meeting; board members and staff indicated the administration would follow up on related procedural questions raised during comment and discussion.