St. Michael-Albertville Teachers, School District Reach Pact

The two sides trying to hammer out a negotiated agreement between the and its teachers have come to a tentative agreement.

The contract discussions, which started just prior to the start of the 2011-2012 school year, were handed over to a mediator last month. The first meeting with that mediator was held Tuesday, Jan. 24.

But the two sides struck an accord soon after that.

During recent discussions, the leaders of both sides said talks had remained above the board. Dr. Jim Behle, superintendent and leader of the district's negotiations team, said the struggle is to retain top teachers without hurting other budget line items like technology and class sizes.

“The goal of the district is to balance a contract that attracts and retains quality teachers with the other priorities, such as class size, technology and staff development,” he said in a press release.

For the teacher’s team, STMA high school teacher Matt Rooker said they share the same concerns of attracting and retaining quality teachers, and they seek a contract that “reflects the tradition of excellence for which St. Michael-Albertville schools are known."

The new contract must be ratified by the majority of the district's teachers, and approved by the entire St. Michael-Albertville School Board.

The board could make that decision as soon as its regular meeting on Tueday, March 6.

Details of the contract are not released until approval. Negotiations were held behind closed doors and are not subject to open meetings requirements.