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CITY, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) Mediation Attorney Gary Thune of Bismarck will represent the Valley City School board to work on settling differences expressed by teachers represented by the Valley City Education Association.

Valley City Schools Superintendent Dean Koppelman said following unsuccessful executive sessions with both entities this summer the board decided to set up an advisory committee to begin discussing the negotiated agreement. 

Valley City Education Association president Kathy Lentz said there was “never an intent to negotiate with VCEA. The board had adopted a budget before negotiations were complete.”

She add, “We are disappointed that the board is not willing to honor the negotiated agreement.”

Koppelman said due to concern over the budget dropping to 6 percent in cash reserves the board adopted a budget making no salary increases during their annual meeting in July. He said the minimum state requirement is normally 10 percent in cash reserves.

Koppelman added at the meeting that he refused his contract approved salary increase due to the tight budget situation.

Some of the sticking points by the VCEA include a request to increase the base salary for teachers by $1,500 or setting an annual base salary of $35,000, medical insurance cost share with the district, sick leave pay increase, retirement and wanting the board to make an effort to move toward noon duty relief for all teachers.