ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — The five-hour bargaining session between the Rockford Education Association and Rockford Public Schools has concluded.
“It’s extremely disappointing the district continues to put forth offers that deny retro pay to Rockford teachers. They continue to ignore our parents, community members and the REA as we repeatedly ask for a competitive and fair contract. We remain open and ready to bargain with the district and we look forward to meeting with the district again, hopefully on Monday,” Rockford Education Association President Claudia Marshall said in a statement.
Many RPS retirees rallied before today’s bargaining session. Marshall said today, RPS presented them a counteroffer. The teacher’s union had asked for a 5.5% percent raises for each of the next three years, while the district offered 4% raises for each of the next three years. Marshall expressed that another sticking point is the special education workload…