Tensions have been quite high between the school district and its teachers’ union. Sandra Larsson, union president, maintains a calm, collected demeanor as she navigates her team through incoming obstacles. The process of negotiating a contract has been drawn out and has become increasingly frustrating for both sides. Larsson elaborates on some of the union’s dissatisfactions and their reasoning for taking labor action.

   “There are set rules when you’re an organized group that every union or every group of workers has to go by; we’re a public group. The district doesn’t always follow those, so it was our frustration that they broke another labor law [which led to the strike],” said Larsson.

   Furthermore, the negotiation process alone can be disheartening; the twists and turns of pleasing both sides of the negotiating table are challenging and time-consuming. Larsson defines a few of the more difficult navigations of the proceeding.

   “The hardest part is trying to make the right decisions and making sure that we’re representing everybody, knowing that it’s probably not going to be everything you want. If we settle, it’s a question of whether we got enough [in terms of items negotiated] to make people happy, and if we hold the line and don’t [negotiate to the best possible agreement], are people going to unhappy?” said Larsson.

   Larsson is standing strong for the teachers’ union. On the contrary, superintendent Gary Callahan describes the district’s role and position in the community and the contract negotiations.  Despite not sitting at the negotiations table, he explains that he is still hopeful.

   “Even though we have been negotiating since January 2016, we think we are going to be able to get there,” said Callahan. Additionally, Callahan elaborates on his role as superintendent.

 “The primary role of a superintendent is to ensure that we are managing the operations of all our schools and adhering to board policy,” said Callahan.

   He believes in the strength and power of the district and teachers as a whole, stating that he wishes for success towards the district’s teachers.

   Callahan expresses empathy towards teachers and his goal of providing them with a worthy contract.

   “There is no way that we could compensate people for what they are really worth,” said Callahan.

   Throughout this difficult time for both teachers and the district, each party has expressed the goal of providing what is in the best interest of students and families within the community.