MCPS, teachers union nearing ‘impasse’ in contract negotiations

From Bethesda Beat, reporter Caitlynn Peetz. For the full story go here. (note: 'Lloyd' refers to Chris Lloyd, MCEA President)
Many key issues unresolved; less than two weeks left in contract
With less than two weeks before the county teachers union’s contract expires, negotiations on a new agreement continue, causing some to worry the union and MCPS will reach a formal impasse for the first time in years.


Since October, school district officials and Montgomery County Education Association members have met routinely to negotiate a new contract before the current three-year contract expires on June 30. It covers more than 14,000 local educators.


And:
Fall classes
Once the next MCEA contract is finalized, union and MCPS officials will begin a new round of bargaining “on everything related to” fall classes, “because we definitely will not be bringing 166,000 kids back to classes in August for the first day of school,” Lloyd said.

So there will need to be “impact bargaining” in which MCPS and MCEA reach agreements about everything ranging from what an average work day looks like for teachers to safety precautions needed for both staff and students. Mask requirements, supplies of hand sanitizer and possible installation of plexiglass in some situations might be part of discussions, Lloyd said.

Lloyd said many older teachers and those who are immunocompromised have told him they might not be comfortable returning to school buildings in the fall. But, Lloyd said, Superintendent Jack Smith has been clear with union leaders that teachers and students will have the flexibility to decide if they need to work remotely.
MCPS spokesman Derek Turner said the school district anticipates that many teachers and students won’t be able to return to school buildings when they reopen, or will not feel safe.