South Range teacher talks end; union expected to vote soon

NORTH LIMA — The South Range Board of Education has concluded contract talks with the union representing teachers, and a new agreement is expected within the next month, the schools superintendent said.

Dennis Dunham said he cannot comment on the tentative pact until the two parties each ratify it. He said he expects the South Range Education Association to vote on ratifying the agreement within the next two weeks. If that happens, the school board may schedule a special meeting to also consider the proposed contract, he said.

Details of the agreement will be made available to the public at the school board’s meeting.

Talks between the union and the school district were initiated Feb. 2, and the two parties met several times during the past several weeks.

Dunham said contract negotiations at South Range involve board of education members’ meeting face-to-face with the teachers.

The union represents 92 certified staff, including teachers and tutors. The union’s three-year contract will the district, effective Sept. 1, 2005, will expire at the end of August.