Dist. 57 reports progress after nine-hour session, more talks planned
The Mount Prospect Elementary School District 57 board and its teachers union met for nearly nine hours Sunday and met again Monday in an effort to avoid a potential strike effecting more than 2,000 students.
The board and the Mount Prospect Education Association issued a joint statement Monday morning saying progress was made during the latest round of talks and both sides are encouraged and hopeful that a deal will be reached soon. In addition to Monday's bargaining session the two sides plan to meet Tuesday.
District 57 teachers have been working without a contract since the last one expired June 30. Compensation and contract language regarding teacher evaluations and "reduction in force" procedures have been among the issues of contention.
Union members voted overwhelmingly Jan. 30 to declare an intent to strike, clearing the way for a potential walkout this week. However, no strike has been set.