Schools

LFEA and the Board of Education Fail to Reach an Agreement

Lake Forest High School strike will continue into third day on Friday.

Despite nearly seven and a half hours of negotiation, the Lake Forest Education Association (LFEA) and the District 115 Board of Education failed to reach an agreement on Thursday to end its .

The Board and the union did agree to submit the two-tiered salary schedule to a board and faculty committee, and they also agreed to ease in the HMO insurance change, the board said in a statement. However, the sides could not agree on a salary increase. 

Tom Gigiano, LFEA lead negotiator, said in a statement Thursday evening: "We are disappointed in the Board, but hope that we can come to a fair and equitable contract soon and get back to teaching. We know that you have heard this before, but again, again, the LFEA made a new financial offer, and again, the evening ended with no change in the proposal from the Board."

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The statement also said that before the collective bargaining session began, Board Vice President Jim Carey allegedly told a group of teachers demonstrating outside, "Keep your signs, guys." 

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At the time of publication, the Board did not immediately respond to a question about Carey's alleged comments.

Board President Sharon Golan said in an issued statement Thursday evening: "We are deeply disappointed by the Union's unrealistic expectations regarding salaries. Our offer keeps us highly competitive and fiscally responsible to the community we serve."  

The LFEA and the Board will resume negotiations at 9 a.m. Friday. 


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