Impasse continues in contract talks at East Palestine schools

EAST PALESTINE — Contract talks between the East Palestine Board of Education and its teachers union are on hold until a federal mediator schedules another meeting for the parties, school Superintendent Tom Inchak confirmed on Tuesday. Both sides met with a federal mediator earlier this month but no agreement was reached and little progress was made, Inchak confirmed. He said he cannot release any specific information about the negotiations, but noted that speculation that talks have been delayed because of the school district is inaccurate. “We’re all at the mercy of the federal mediator,” Inchak said. “The next session will be held when he schedules it. Until then, there’s nothing the district can do.” The teachers union, The East Palestine Education Association, represents about 83 teachers. The teachers have been working without a contract since June 30. The association and the board reached a bargaining impasse on Aug. 8.