Medford School Teacher Negotiation Update

By Aaron Nilsson/KTVL.comMEDFORD, Ore. -- An update on negotiations between the Medford School District and the teachers union with bargaining teams meeting again Friday morning.They're in the middle of negotiations to finalize a contract that benefits both the school district and teachers.Main issues include the number of school days, instructional time and employee benefits.The school board amended a proposed contract that could go into effect next Friday.The amended contract drops school district retirement contribution from 25% to 19% and the 6% difference made up by the individual teachers.Superintendent Long says it has been a tough journey for everyone involved.When you come into our schools, we have excellent teachers, kids are being well served, in a safe environment and as long as we can make sure our kids are tended through this, I think we have hope of resolving other issues, Dr. Phil Long, Medford Superintendent, said.Teachers will see the board-approved financial changes in their paychecks with more take home pay.The board also approved to make the financial changes apply paychecks for time teachers worked before a contract was put in place.The Teachers Association still has to approve the contract, but have also drafted one of their own.The groups may meet again next week or in January.