The Teton Education Association has sued the Teton School District over a labor negotiations impasse.

The July 7 complaint, which the TEA shared with Idaho EdNews on Monday, alleges that Teton trustees have refused to reallocate funds the state released. The money came after the state reversed a 5% holdback instituted last year amid the mounting COVID-19 pandemic.

The TEA has made “multiple attempts” to collectively bargain for the funds since last school year, local union leaders wrote in a news release.

The district’s refusal to reallocate the funds has delayed negotiations for the 2021-22 master contract and violates trustees’ duty to negotiate in “good faith,” as outlined by Idaho Code, the news release states.

The TEA has requested a mediator from the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service to help with further negotiations tied to the stalemate.

Teton Superintendent Monte Woolstenhulme told EdNews Monday the district would not comment on the pending legal matter.