Teacher unions draw closer to resolution

Teacher unions for Jordan and Ogden school districts are getting closer to a contract resolution after two days each of working with a federal mediator.

Jordan Education Association leaders met Tuesday night in a closed meeting with union members to present their plan.

JEA president Robin Frodge declined to publicly reveal details on the potential agreement until all union members have received a letter describing the proposal. This could be completed by early next week when all members have received their contract ratification ballots.

However, a JEA member told the Deseret News the proposal is for a 1 percent salary increase and to have lanes reinstated.

A lane increase is a salary adjustment for those who have earned extra academic degrees. Step increases are for years of experience.

The Jordan School Board voted in June to eliminate its teacher lane increases due to budget cuts.

Jordan Board will likely address the potential agreement in its Aug. 11 meeting.

JEA member Glenda Adams, a third-grade teacher at South Jordan Elementary School, said she is happy with the potential deal between the union and the district.

"We didn't get everything we wanted, but we did get our lanes and that is the most important part," Adams said. "It's a struggling time, but they really came through for us."

The Ogden Education Association is continuing to work toward an agreement with district officials.

"We didn't quite settle but I feel positive about the direction we are going," said OEA president Doug Stephens.

"Both sides are working together to find a resolution," he said, adding the mediation helped "a great deal."

Stephens said he expects a conclusion in about two weeks.

The two unions shared federal mediator Lavonne Ritter last week with two two-day sessions back to back. She is with the Federal Mediation Conciliation Services in Las Vegas. The service, including travel, food and lodging, is funded by the federal government.

e-mail: astewart@desnews.com