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Janesville teacher talks to resume

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James Reif

JANESVILLE — Contract talks between the Janesville School District and its teachers union might be back on track.

The two sides haven’t met formally since October, but they have been communicating, officials indicated. Now, the two sides have scheduled a meeting for Wednesday, March 10.

“This is our first face-to-face meeting in a while. We’re just looking to get the ball rolling again,” said Jim Reif, co-lead negotiator for the Janesville Education Association.

The two sides last met Oct. 19, 2009. They scheduled a meeting in November but called it off.

Teachers’ representatives said at the time that they were putting negotiations on hold in order to work on a pay-and-benefits proposal with an eye to renewing talks in January, but no talks were held.

Little is known about last fall’s negotiations. The district had proposed a pay freeze, while the teachers asked for changes that they said would improve working conditions.

Reif and Superintendent Karen Schulte didn’t want to discuss what matters might be on the table next Wednesday, but two members of the district’s negotiating committee hinted Monday night that something is in the works.

Diedre Richard and Peter Severson, both school board members running for re-election, were asked about negotiations at a candidates forum Monday.

Richard said a dialog—and progress—have been going on behind the scenes.

Severson said the fact that the two sides have not requested mediation signals that both sides are still willing to work toward a voluntary settlement.

“I think we’re finally moving forward. I think we’re going to work hard to bring a really good settlement to all involved,” Severson said.

Teachers are working under the terms of their old contract, which expired June 30, 2009.