WHEATFIELD -- Reduction in force measures will continue after two failed arbitration attempts Monday and Tuesday between the Kankakee Valley School Corp. and the teachers union.
"Basically we couldn't reach an agreement over several items. I want to say everybody worked hard to try to come to a conclusion. The dollars involved are significant," said Superintendent Glenn Krueger.
The issue of insurance was a "huge hang-up in settling this deal," he said. Officials hoped to flat-line insurance costs, however, teachers opted to stay with the same plan instead of taking a lesser plan, which they have the right to do, he said.
Premiums for teachers rose this year by $160,000. Premiums for the rest of the staff rose by $110,000. That increase, Krueger said, makes the budget cuts more dramatic. The budget shortfall from the state is about $1 million.
Fifteen teachers have received reduction in force notices. Another two teachers received dismissal notices. RIF hearings are scheduled Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday before the School Board.
A statement in the Kankakee Valley Teachers Association newsletter said the union presented a combination of cuts that totaled $1,391,573 and involved no RIFs except through attrition. After accounting for the insurance increase and scheduled salary increase the savings would have been $1,045,312.
Dave Smith, the Uniserve director for the teachers union, could not be reached for comment.
Krueger said the two sides came very close but ultimately could not agree upon a final deal. He said he remains hopeful officials can find a way to reduce the additional $250,000 needed and reach an agreement with the union so teachers can be called back.
"Hopefully, if I get creative and the teachers come up with something, I can see if I can figure a way to make this work," Krueger said.