Coeur d’Alene talks head to mediation

Teachers and administrators returned to the bargaining table in Coeur d’Alene Monday night — but left without a deal in hand.

Consequently, teachers will begin the 2014-15 year without a contract, the Coeur d’Alene Press reported Tuesday. Both sides agreed to mediation.

Among the points of disagreement: Teachers want the district to cover a $500,000 increase in health insurance premiums, while the district wants employees to share the cost. Both sides want teachers to receive raises based on experience and education, but the disagree on the cost; the union pegs the price tag at $350,000, while the district’s estimate comes to $700,000.

While negotiations continue in Coeur d’Alene, many other large districts settled their contracts before the July 1 deadline. Here’s a recent rundown.

Kevin Richert

Kevin Richert

Senior reporter and blogger Kevin Richert specializes in education politics and education policy. He has more than 35 years of experience in Idaho journalism. He is a frequent guest on "Idaho Reports" on Idaho Public Television and "Idaho Matters" on Boise State Public Radio. He can be reached at [email protected]

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