Dist. 205 Optimistic They Can Reach Deal With REA
By: Marty Kasper
Updated: March 27, 2012
The Rockford School Board meets for hours in closed session to decide what the district's next step will be to avert a possible strike.
The school board met for more than two hours in closed session. They reviewed the verbal proposal put forth by the Rockford Educators Association on Sunday and have indicated that they feel a deal could be reached. If a deal isn't reached in less than 36 hours, teachers will not report for work Thursday morning, forcing the district to cancel classes.
It's a situation district leaders say they don't want to happen and according to interim Superintendent Robert Willis, Ph.D, the board has given the negotiating team the tools to bring contract talks to an end. "Based on [our parameters], we think we can bring this together in a conclusion with both sides maybe feeling a little disappointed which is a sign of a good settlement" says Willis.
If a deal isn't reached, not only will classes be cancelled, but sports and other activities will also be put on hold. At this point, no other negotiating meetings between the two sides have been scheduled. But, Willis did say the district will reach out to set one up. The REA also says they're willing to meet.
The school board met for more than two hours in closed session. They reviewed the verbal proposal put forth by the Rockford Educators Association on Sunday and have indicated that they feel a deal could be reached. If a deal isn't reached in less than 36 hours, teachers will not report for work Thursday morning, forcing the district to cancel classes.
It's a situation district leaders say they don't want to happen and according to interim Superintendent Robert Willis, Ph.D, the board has given the negotiating team the tools to bring contract talks to an end. "Based on [our parameters], we think we can bring this together in a conclusion with both sides maybe feeling a little disappointed which is a sign of a good settlement" says Willis.
If a deal isn't reached, not only will classes be cancelled, but sports and other activities will also be put on hold. At this point, no other negotiating meetings between the two sides have been scheduled. But, Willis did say the district will reach out to set one up. The REA also says they're willing to meet.
