UPDATE: Superintendent responds after Blue Ridge teachers prepare for possible strike

Posted on September 16, 2019
Teacher
Blue Ridge Superintendent Susan Wilson released a brief statement Monday addressing the strike exploratory committee formed by the district’s teachers. (WJBC File Photo)

 

By Neil Doyle

FARMER CITY – Blue Ridge Superintendent Susan Wilson said Monday the district hopes to reach a contract agreement that’s fair for both employees and the financial health of the district.

Late Sunday night, the Blue Ridge Federation of Teachers released a statement that teachers overwhelmingly agreed to create a strike exploratory committee because they’re unhappy with contract negotiations with the school board.

Wilson released a brief statement Monday.

“We have received word from media sources that the Blue Ridge Federation met Sunday night and voted to form a Strike Exploratory Committee. The Blue Ridge Board of Education respects and values the work of our employees. We remain committed and hopeful that we will come to an agreement that is fair to our employees and maintains the financial health of the school district.”

Blue Ridge Community Unit District 18 has three schools serving Farmer City, Mansfield, and Bellflower.

Neil Doyle can be reached at [email protected]

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