Teachers' union files grievance over Coquille Valley Elementary schedule; board upholds district denial after executive session

The board held a formal grievance hearing requested by the Coquille Education Association (CEA) over a proposal to change the schedule at Coquille Valley Elementary.

The CEA representative (S11) opened the association's case: "Article 5 point a of the collective bargaining agreement states that additions or changes in rules and regulations affecting teachers, wages, hours, and working conditions shall first be subject to negotiations with the association," the representative said, arguing the district's proposal changes "job responsibilities" and forces multi‑subject elementary teachers toward single‑subject assignments.

CEA cited data it said demonstrates CVE's current model is producing strong results: the representative told the board that the current 6th‑grade cohort "improved its proficiency by more than 25% in language arts, and by 12% in math," and argued those gains undercut the district's claim that a middle/junior high model would be superior.

Superintendent Gallagher (S6) presented exhibits and told the board the district has not implemented any unilateral change and that bargaining is ongoing. "As far as their claim of a unilateral change of working conditions, I fully understand that we need to bargain, and the district has agreed to bargain," Gallagher said, and he noted the district approved a teacher‑proposed schedule to try for a year in order to evaluate the approach.

Board members asked questions of both parties. CEA argued the district originally signaled that positions would be reopened and teachers could be required to reapply, causing uncertainty; the union said that process felt like a layoff. The superintendent said he had attempted to schedule bargaining meetings and that the district is willing to pay for required endorsements and study materials in limited ways described in an MOU the district reviewed with the union.

After an executive session to consult the board’s attorney, the board returned and voted to "uphold the district's decision to deny the grievance from the CEA," recording an affirmative voice vote. The board also approved the superintendent's contract in a separate motion and directed the board chair to write a formal response to the CEA grievance.

The decision resolves the grievance at this board level; the record shows both sides agreed the issue requires bargaining and more communication, and the superintendent said he wants to continue discussions with teachers to develop an acceptable plan.