BREAKING NEWS:
Girard at Large has learned that Manchester Mayor Ted Gatsas and MEA President Ben Dick have entered into a tentative agreement on an extension of the union’s contract.
The extension language had been agreed to yesterday, pending a review of the language by the school district’s legal counsel, whose approval came today.
Dick said he believed “it was a fair proposal, worthy of his membership’s consideration.” Gatsas was unavailable for comment.
Union members will receive the contract via email this evening. A meeting of the membership has been scheduled for Tuesday where teachers will have an opportunity to question, debate and vote on the proposal. A second day of voting is scheduled for Wednesday, as required by the union’s bylaws. Dick was hopeful that he would know the results Wednesday evening.
On Monday, the Manchester School Board will hold a special meeting to consider the extension. The contract is en route to board members. The consensus vote taken by the board must be favorable or the union will not vote on the proposal. The school board is expected to accept the agreement, though observers expect a close.
Girard at Large will continue to share the news as it becomes available. Stay tuned!
