Nonteachers and school set tentative mediation

12/10/2002

GIBSONBURG, Ohio — The Gibsonburg school district and unionized nonteaching employees have tentatively scheduled a mediation session for next week, two days before a threatened strike.

Andre Washington, a field representative for the Ohio Association of Public School Employees, said the two sides plan to meet at 5 p.m. Sunday with federal mediator Richard Terpinski. OAPSE Local 188 represents 34 bus drivers, custodians, secretaries, cooks, aides, and study hall monitors in the district.

Last week, Local 188 members voted to authorize a strike Dec. 17 if a contract is not negotiated by then.

Mr. Washington said he is hopeful a settlement will be reached.

“We're not too far apart,“ he said.