UPDATE | Campbell school board to meet with teachers next week, strike notice remains

CAMPBELL — While the Campbell Board of Education has not rescinded its last-and-best contract offer that was implemented July 1, it has agreed to restart negotiations with the Campbell Education Association, the union representing the district’s teachers.

Tom Robey, superintendent, said the purpose of the upcoming meeting is to bring both sides together — the board and the union — to resolve their disputes through the federal mediator, who was brought in to assist after both parties declared an impasse in May.

“We just want things to get back to normal so we can focus on education for students,” Robey said.

The union’s 10-day strike notice for Aug. 26, the first teacher-report day, will remain, said Colleen Joss, a union spokeswoman. The CEA sent the notice to the State Employment Relations Board earlier today.

“I think it’s definitely a step in the right direction,” said Joss, referring to Tuesday’s meeting. “But while that contract is implemented, [the strike notice] is still in effect. At least they’re willing to go back to the bargaining table.”

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