Update on Board of Education and FPEA Negotiations - August 25, 2026

The Board of Education's negotiating team entered mediation with the FPEA bargaining team on August 24, 2026, prepared to reach a resolution. Throughout mediation, the Board made substantial compromises in an effort to achieve an agreement. These included enhancements to the financial package for FPEA members and changes to contract language the Union identified as important to its membership.

After five hours of mediation, the Board believed the parties had reached a tentative agreement on the remaining issues. The Union then requested a complete written version of the proposed agreement for review.

The Board team promptly prepared and provided the requested document, which reflected the contract language discussed during mediation and addressed the remaining issues between the parties.

However, rather than signing the proposed agreement, the FPEA team left the mediation session without providing the Board's negotiating team with an explanation for its decision.

FPEA has since stated publicly that it needs the Board to "return to the table to collaborate on these issues." The Board agrees that continued collaboration is necessary to reach a new collective bargaining agreement. However, it is important to accurately characterize where negotiations currently stand and how the August 24 mediation session concluded.

The Board recognizes that ongoing negotiations can create uncertainty for staff, students, families, and the community. The Board remains committed to the collective bargaining process and to working in good faith toward an agreement that serves the best interests of our students, and protects the long-term financial stability of the district.

Additional information will be shared as negotiations continue and when it is appropriate to do so.
 

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