With a new mediator steering the negotiations, River Forest School District 90 and the River Forest Education Association appear to be closing in on a new contract.
But it didn’t happen at the latest mediation session Oct. 29, a three-hour affair, much to the chagrin of Lauren Baiocchi, RFEA co-president with Cindy Crannell.
“I think we were hoping to get the deal done,” Crannell said Sunday. “It was just really disappointing, even though it was progress.”
Added Baiocchi: “While we did see progress, we expected to see more from the district. They know what we’ve been advocating for, and their most recent response to us didn’t match that.”
In a statement to Wednesday Journal, the district agreed progress had been made Oct. 29, with the next mediation session scheduled for Nov. 10.
“While the negotiation process can be challenging, the essence of any successful negotiation is the shared expectation that both parties desire to reach resolution through reasonableness and compromise,” said Supt. Ed Condon. “The district is eager to reach a final agreement that reflects financial stewardship while emphasizing the extraordinary value of our teachers – to our students, our families, and the future of our school community.”
The sides were forced to bring on a new third-party mediator after the federal government shutdown precluded the original mediator from further participating. That, Crannell said, was a positive.
“I was happy with her,” she said. “Both sides were in support of her in terms of they didn’t have any objections at all. They were able to meet before the 29th to get her caught up where we’re at in our negotiations and mediation. I think she brought some interesting perspectives to the table.”
The pair also said that they are receiving pressure from RFEA membership to close a deal. Assuming that body’s negotiating team arrives at an offer that would be palatable to its membership, a two-thirds majority vote would be necessary for ratification.