For the second consecutive month, Mercer County School District teachers and supporters packed a Board of Education meeting as contract negotiations continue for staff in the district.
Wednesday’s meeting was moved to the Mercer County High School auditorium to accommodate the crowd.
The Mercer County Education Association (MCEA) filed for mediation last week after contract talks stalled, which brings in a neutral third party to assist with negotiations. A mediator needs to be selected before those meeting dates can be set.
MCEA claims the Mercer County School District offers less salary potential 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. The union is looking specifically for pay increases for veteran teachers.
MCEA Spokesperson Monty Smith reacted to the deal reached in the Rockridge School District this week, which gives teachers a 5% bonus to the base salary over three years and an annual $750 longevity bonus each year after 15 years of service in the district, saying the union hopes that sends a message to the Mercer County School District.
Mercer County Schools Superintendent Tim Farquer says the school district has lost funding from multiple sources, forcing a financial crunch.
MCEA’s contract expired June 30.
The first day of school in the Mercer County School District is August 14.