Superintendent's letter on eve of strike
Dear Reynoldsburg families,
I regret to inform you that Reynoldsburg teachers’ union has decided to strike, starting Friday morning.
The board of education made every effort to avoid this situation. The teachers’ negotiating team presented its first comprehensive proposal in five months of negotiations, and the teams reviewed it together, line by line. The union proposal included $1 million more in guaranteed raises compared to the board’s most recent proposal, inflexible class size caps, and several other costly provisions that the board of education could not accept. It also would have forced St. Pius teachers who are hired through the Reynoldsburg board to become part of the union and pay thousands of dollars in back union dues. The proposal is far beyond what the community can afford, and it appears that the union had no intention of settling the contract.
After it became clear during negotiations on Thursday that it would not be possible to reach a tentative agreement in time, the board made one last attempt to avoid a strike. The board offered to enter into binding arbitration. Binding arbitration means that both parties would present their recent proposals to a neutral arbitrator, who would then make a final decision on the terms of the contract. It is the same process used by police and firefighters to settle difficult negotiations. The union refused and, instead, decided to strike. The offer was a risk to both parties, but it was absolutely the most reasonable way to forego a strike in our community. It will not be entertained again. In fact, our last, best offer is now on the table. There will not be a better contract offer to the union. Still, our team will agree to meet whenever the mediator arranges the next meeting.
The strike is terrible news for our students and our community. While we wish it were different, our focus tomorrow will be on our children. Schools will be open tomorrow. As I have described previously, we should expect to see picket lines at all schools. Inside, children will be welcomed by both familiar and new faces. Most schools are planning morning meetings to help students get settled.
School principals and I will provide updates about the coming days as frequently as possible. Take care tonight. We look forward to seeing our students tomorrow.
Tina Thomas-Manning
I regret to inform you that Reynoldsburg teachers’ union has decided to strike, starting Friday morning.
The board of education made every effort to avoid this situation. The teachers’ negotiating team presented its first comprehensive proposal in five months of negotiations, and the teams reviewed it together, line by line. The union proposal included $1 million more in guaranteed raises compared to the board’s most recent proposal, inflexible class size caps, and several other costly provisions that the board of education could not accept. It also would have forced St. Pius teachers who are hired through the Reynoldsburg board to become part of the union and pay thousands of dollars in back union dues. The proposal is far beyond what the community can afford, and it appears that the union had no intention of settling the contract.
After it became clear during negotiations on Thursday that it would not be possible to reach a tentative agreement in time, the board made one last attempt to avoid a strike. The board offered to enter into binding arbitration. Binding arbitration means that both parties would present their recent proposals to a neutral arbitrator, who would then make a final decision on the terms of the contract. It is the same process used by police and firefighters to settle difficult negotiations. The union refused and, instead, decided to strike. The offer was a risk to both parties, but it was absolutely the most reasonable way to forego a strike in our community. It will not be entertained again. In fact, our last, best offer is now on the table. There will not be a better contract offer to the union. Still, our team will agree to meet whenever the mediator arranges the next meeting.
The strike is terrible news for our students and our community. While we wish it were different, our focus tomorrow will be on our children. Schools will be open tomorrow. As I have described previously, we should expect to see picket lines at all schools. Inside, children will be welcomed by both familiar and new faces. Most schools are planning morning meetings to help students get settled.
School principals and I will provide updates about the coming days as frequently as possible. Take care tonight. We look forward to seeing our students tomorrow.
Tina Thomas-Manning