The Mercer County School District’s July District Board of Education meeting has been relocated to accommodate another expected large crowd as contract negotiations continue for teachers in the district.
Wednesday’s meeting was moved from the Mercer County Junior High music room, where board meetings are traditionally held, to the Mercer County High School Auditorium as contract negotiations continue between the school district and the Mercer County Education Association (MCEA). Last month, an overflow crowd of teachers and supporters packed the June meeting.
MCEA filed for mediation in the contract talks last week.
MCEA spokesperson and Mercer County Junior High Teacher Monty Smith says the union has appreciated the support.
MCEA’s contract expired on June 30.
The union claims the Mercer County School District offers less compensation for teachers than the neighboring Rockridge and Sherrard School Districts and the lowest compensation in the Regional Office of Education (ROE) District #33, which includes United, West Central, Monmouth-Roseville, Galesburg, ROWVA, Williamsfield, Knoxville, and Abingdon-Avon, and is looking specifically for pay increases for veteran teachers.
The meeting begins Wednesday at 6:30 p.m.