ZEA rejects Zanesville City Schools contract offer – WHIZ

Zanesville, OH The Zanesville School District just completed its year and negotiations are now underway with members of the Zanesville Education Association.

The ZEA rejected a tentative agreement between the district and the union. The ZEA said the agreement failed to provide the support that would allow educators to provide the education their students deserve.

A contract between the District and the ZEA is set to expire on July 31.

“ZEA has negotiated in good faith with the Board over the past two months, never losing sight of ZEA.
members’ overriding commitment to the success of their students,” said ZEA spokesperson Kandee Dille. “By
By rejecting the tentative agreement, ZEA members send a clear message: the district’s offer
does not meet the minimum standards necessary for their students to succeed. After decades of
settle down and do without, ZEA is ready to fight for what is right and necessary to meet the needs of its
students.”

The ZEA said among the problems with the proposed contract is the district’s refusal to guarantee aid in kindergarten classes. They said the contract also provided insufficient planning time. They believe that district staff turnover problems would only be exacerbated by the unacceptable and uncompetitive salaries proposed in the tentative agreement, which would continue to attract quality, experienced educators to other districts.

“ZEA cannot accept a contract that fails to create the positive conditions our students need and deserve,
So our 232-member union voted to send our bargaining team back to the table,” Dille said.
“We ask all friends of public education, community allies and parents to continue to mobilize.
solidarity with educators and urge the Council to negotiate a fair contract with the Association which
addresses our concerns.

ZEA asked the Board to agree to June trading dates, but the Board said that date would not be available until
mid-July, two weeks before the ZEA contract expires. The Council informed the representatives of ZEA that it
believes that a federal mediator is now necessary to resolve disputes.

ZEA is committed to conducting a negotiation process in good faith.