Mathews superintendent: 'We're done' negotiating with OAPSE employees

VIENNA — Mathews Schools Superintendent Lewis Lowery said he has no intention of returning to the bargaining table after a deadlocked vote on a tentative contract agreement by nonteaching employees.

The vote by Local 611 of the Ohio Association of Public School Employees ended in a 12-12 tie.

“We’re done,” Lowery said today. “I don’t see any reason to hold any more meetings.”

The OAPSE local represents 30 custodial workers, cafeteria employees and bus drivers.

Ron Blatt, OAPSE field representative, said six local members did not attend this week’s ratification vote.

The two sides had reached their tentative settlement last week. Earlier this month, the union had issued a strike notice for March 14, but withdrew it after Blatt reported progress following a meeting with a federal mediator.

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