The school year with status quo contract FWCS, FWEA agree to start it

Fort Wayne Community Schools and the Fort Wayne Education Association have accede to maintain a status quo contract for the next school year, which means there will be no major language changes in the contract and no changes in the salary schedule. Under state law, when a new contract is not established the existing contract remains in effect. FWCS and FWEA agreed to move forepart without bargaining a new contract for the 2009-10 school year. In June, the two sides adjourn bargaining as the state budget was still unclear. Leaders had hope that a clearer financial picture would emerge prior to the beginning of the school year, and they could return to negotiations. While more financial information is now available, FWCS officials plan a full analysis of the community's finances over the next few months. Until that is complete, both sides agreed there was little that could be accomplished in formal bargaining sessions. FWCS and FWEA will continue meeting regularly to discuss issues that arise throughout the year, including setting calendars for future school years. "We will continue to use our discussion process to have dialogue open so as issues arise there is a way to communicate with teachers," Superintendent Wendy Robinson said. "With so much remaining uncertain financially, this was the best consclusion we could reach at this point." FWEA President Al Jacquay said it makes sense to forgo negotiating this year and resume bargaining next of spring. "We're going to table this for right now and focus on the job of educating students," he said.