By Howard Packowitz

FARMER CITY – Teachers and other union employees for Blue Ridge School District 18 are threatening to strike in less than a month after Tuesday night’s negotiations with the mediator failed to produce an agreement.

The Blue Ridge Federation of Teachers released a statement claiming there was “little progress,” and the two sides were “miles apart” on the core issues of salary and health care.

The next session with the mediator is October 9, and the earliest teachers and other employees can begin a strike is October 21, according to Federation President Don Anton.

The union last week took initial steps toward a possible walkout, announcing it had formed a strike exploratory committee.

“There is still time to avoid this,” Anton said in a news release.

“We hope the Board understands that we want to reach an agreement, but the current terms they have offered will not solve the problems created by years and years of contracts that lagged behind those of other area schools,” Anton also said.

“Turnover is bad for our kids. We want students who have cooks, secretaries, custodians, drivers, nurses, aides, and teachers who can afford to serve our communities for many years. Such a stable workforce enables students to feel a stronger connection to their school. These relationships are critical for their academic as well as social and emotional success,” said Anton.

Blue Ridge Superintendent Susan Wilson was not immediately available for comment. However, she said in an earlier statement that the district wants to reach a deal that’s fair to employees and for the school system’s financial health.

The federation represents about 110 workers, including teachers, counselors, cooks, custodians, secretaries, nurses, drivers, and aides.

Blue Ridge District 18 serves students from Farmer City, Mansfield, and Bellflower.

Howard Packowitz can be reached at [email protected]