MASON, Ohio — After more than a dozen rounds of contract talks, Mason City Schools has reached a tentative agreement with the union representing more than 600 Mason teachers.
With just one week until the first day of school, more than 100 parents, teachers and students rallied in downtown Mason in a show of support for educators vying for a new union contract.
It came as representatives with the Mason City Schools Board of Education met with representatives from the Mason Education Association for the 16th round of contract talks since February.
RIGHT NOW: Dozens of people are rallying in Mason for educators.
— Connor Steffen | WCPO 9 News (@ConnorSteffenTV) August 5, 2024
It comes as the Mason Education Assoc. and board of education meet for another round of contract negotiations @WCPO pic.twitter.com/FSfnnIaQ5C
Jonathan Cooper, superintendent for Mason City Schools, released the following statement:
"We are grateful to begin the new school year with negotiations behind us, allowing us to focus on what matters most—providing exceptional educational experiences for our students. Our teachers and staff can now move forward, ready to welcome and engage students from day one. We believe this tentative agreement represents a fair and respectful outcome for Mason’s high-quality educators."
As of Monday afternoon, those representing the district's teachers at the rally said they did not believe a fair contract had been offered.
"Anyone in any profession deserves a cost of living adjustment. Teachers are no different," said Wendy Spatz, leader of the Mason City High School parent-teacher organization. "They work hard. They spend hours after school on the weekends here, preparing lessons for our kids."
In their release, Mason City School said the agreement is a three-year contract that will be voted on by Mason Education Association members before getting final approval by the board.
For more information on Mason City School's academic calendar, click here.
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