GF teachers start class without new contracts

GRAND FORKS, N.D. (AP) — Hundreds of Grand Forks teachers are back in the classroom — without new contracts.

It is the first time in decades that negotiations between teachers and the School Board have lasted into the start of the school year.

School District Business Manager Bill Hutchison says the main hang-up is the structure of the next salary schedule.

Negotiating sessions have been held two to three times a week since April. Teachers union spokesman Brad Srur and Hutchison say mediation is the next step. Mediation also is the last step before an impasse is reached, when a state-appointed panel would step in.

There are about 700 teachers in the school district. Hutchison says provisions of the two-year contract that expired June 30 will be continued until a new deal is reached.

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