Special Needs Teachers, County of Ed. Remain at a Standstill

The San Mateo County Office of Education and the teacher’s union failed to reach an agreement Wednesday, making a strike more likely.

The County Office released a statement saying it remains committed to the process of bargaining in good faith and reaching a “fiscally responsible” settlement.

The teacher’s union have stated they are tired “of being underpaid and under appreciated” and voted to authorize a strike on Monday night.

In response, County Superintendent of Schools Anne Campbell said, “We appreciate the talent and dedication of our teaching force. The challenge is how to honor them with a fair and reasonable contract and yet maintain a stable financial outlook, particularly in such fiscally uncertain times as these. We believe we can get there, but we need to allow the process to work as it’s intended.”

Some of the dispute is over the $7 million that was being put into the County Office’s reserves. County officials insist they are prohibited from spending the excess property tax dollars for operational expenditures, which include salary and benefits.

The teachers were seeking a 9-percent salary increase and an increase in benefits coverage. Negotiations began in July.

What kind of compromise do you think the two parties should reach? Tell us your opinion in the comments below.

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