CSD, Teachers To Reopen Talks

Coeur d’Alene teachers and school administrators will reopen contract negotiations Nov. 21 to discuss a budget surplus of about $1.5 million. Under an agreement reached over the summer, that money will go to all district employees who receive benefits as a one-time payment. But the teachers union and district could decide to apply some or all of the surplus to employees’ base salaries, making it an ongoing rather than one-time expense. The district has seen a similar surplus – part of the unrestricted fund balance – the past two years, giving officials confidence the money will be there on an ongoing basis. Teachers were given a raise of 0.5 percent this year – the only increase they’ve seen in about four years/ Scott Maben , SR.

Question: Do you support the move to reopen negotiations?