Swanton school mediation ends without accord

8/26/2004

SWANTON - Officials of the Swanton Local School District and the union representing its teachers met yesterday for 3 1/2 hours but did not reach agreement on a new contract.

"It was a long, tough mediation," Superintendent Robin Rayfield said. "People's frustration levels seemed to ebb and flow."

Members of the Swanton Education Association will meet at 3:30 today to discuss their next step. The existing contract expires Tuesday.

Judy Teague, the association's vice president, would not comment on the union's options. She said the two sides differ over a salary freeze and payments for health care.

Mr. Rayfield said if the union won't accept the board's offer, the two sides will go back to mediation. "Unfortunately, when there is no money, there's little to talk about," he said.