Tentative deal reached to prevent Blue Ridge teachers strike

Posted on October 22, 2019

By Howard Packowitz

FARMER CITY – A strike apparently has been averted in the Blue Ridge School District, which serves students in Farmer City, Mansfield, and Bellflower.

The Blue Ridge Federation of Teachers and the school board reached a tentative agreement on a three-year deal, according to a news release issued early Tuesday morning.

Details of the agreement will be released after Federation members meet on Sunday to vote on the contract.

The union threatened to strike if no agreement was reached by the end of this month. The two sides were said to be far apart on salary and health insurance.

Contract negotiations started in February, and included four sessions with a federal mediator.

The Federation represents 110 Blue Ridge employees, including teachers, drivers, cooks, secretaries, nurses, library clerks, and custodians.

Howard Packowitz can be reached at [email protected]

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