An attempt to reward Fargo teachers who get National Board Certification may have backfired for the School District.
The Fargo Education Association is claiming that the district unilaterally changed the negotiated teacher bargaining agreement by giving two teachers $1,000 each for achieving the rank.
"There was no agreement" during the negotiations, said FEA President Sherry Seefeld. "There was no signing off on anything. They (the teachers on the negotiating team) didn't oppose the $1,000 payment, but it wasn't brought up again. It needs to be a negotiated item."
Fargo School Board member Dan Fremling, who took part in the negotiations, said that wasn't so.
"Everyone at the table agreed. It was a verbal agreement," he said.
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Superintendent David Flowers said the school district isn't trying to get away from the salary schedule, but he wants to reward teachers who are leaders and who are active in various programs.
"From the board's perspective, the teachers didn't want it in the contract, but they didn't object, either," Flowers said. "The ball is in their court."
In other business, the board:
- Voted Laura Carley president by acclamation and voted 6-3 to name Robin Nelson vice president.
- Increased lunch prices for the coming school year 5 cents across the board. Breakfast for elementary students will be $1.15; secondary students, $1.25; adults, $1.65. Lunch for elementary students will be $1.65; secondary students, $1.80; and adults, $2.45. An extra milk will remain 35 cents.
Readers can reach Forum reporter Helmut Schmidt at (701) 241-5583
