Yesterday, the Fort Dodge Education Association, and the Fort Dodge community school district met at the central office to give their initial bargaining positions. The F.D.E.A asked for the base salary for a teacher to go from $33,248, to $34,150. Chief Negotiator Branwyn Greathouse explained why they asked for the raise saying, "on January 12th, during the state of the district meeting, Superintendent Van Zyle said he expects a 5% increase on insurance premiums. This will result in 104 teachers and nurses receiving no pay increase".
One of the requests from the school district was to cut the amount of sick leave down from 150 days to 120, and also changes to bereavement.
The two sides will meet next Wednesday at 4PM to begin negotiations.
