UPDATED 6:21 P.M.
PEORIA, Ill. – The Peoria Federation of Teachers and Peoria Public Schools are now giving two somewhat different accounts of the late-night negotiating session with a federal mediator.
As we’ve reported, the union said in a statement early Thursday morning both sides did not reach an agreement, and union head Jeff Adkins-Dutro said he was “incredibly disappointed.”
Thursday afternoon, however, Peoria School Board president Martha Ross shed more light. She claims all compensation-related items have been settled, and the next session on September 15th will deal with the one non-compensation-related issue left.
We’ve reached out to Adkins-Dutro for further comment, and have since learned the union’s reaction is below.
The Peoria Federation of Teachers and representatives of Peoria Public Schools negotiated until 1:30 am. Unfortunately, the two parties did not reach an agreement. A third mediation session is scheduled for Thursday, September 15.
“We are incredibly disappointed this morning. Thank you to all our members and supporters in the
community. Your support gives us strength to continue our work.” –Jeff Adkins Dutro, Thursday morning, prepared statement
“After 8 hours of productive bargaining, all compensation-related items have been settled. The Board (represented by key administrators) and PFT Union representatives will meet on September 15th to settle the last non-compensation related item. I am very confident that an agreement will be reached in the coming meeting. Thank you to both parties for your hard work and dedication to the children of Peoria Public Schools.” — Martha Ross, Thursday afternoon, prepared statement
