ZEA Rejects Contract Offer from Zanesville City Schools
Zanesville, OH- The Zanesville School District just ended their year and now negotiations are underway with the Zanesville Education Association members.
The ZEA rejected a tentative agreement between the district and the union. The ZEA said the deal failed to deliver the support that would enable educators to deliver the education their students deserve.
A contract between the District and the ZEA is set to expire July 31.
“ZEA has negotiated with the Board in good faith over the last two months, never losing sight of ZEA
members’ overriding commitment to their students’ success,” ZEA spokesperson Kandee Dille said. “By
rejecting the tentative agreement, ZEA members are sending a clear message that the district’s offer
does not meet the minimum standards that are needed for their students to thrive. After decades of
settling and going without, ZEA is ready to fight for what is fair and necessary to meet the needs of their
students.”
The ZEA said among the issues in the proposed contract is the districts refusal to guarantee aides in kindergarten classrooms. They said the contract also offered inadequate planning time. They believe the districts’ staff turnover issues would only be exacerbated by the unacceptable, uncompetitive wages offered in the tentative agreement which would continue to drive experienced, quality educators to other districts.
“ZEA can’t accept a contract that fails to create the positive conditions our students need and deserve,
so our 232 member strong union has voted to send our negotiations team back to the table,” Dille said.
“We ask that all friends of public education, community allies, and parents continue standing in
solidarity with educators and urge the Board to negotiate a fair contract with the Association that
addresses our concerns.”
ZEA has asked the Board to agree to negotiation dates in June, but the Board says it is not available until
mid-July, two weeks before the ZEA contract expires. The Board has informed ZEA representatives that it
believes a federal mediator is now necessary to settle differences.
ZEA is committed to a good faith negotiations process.
