LR teachers’ union sets forum on contract talks

The Little Rock Education Association, the bargaining agent for Little Rock School District teachers and support staff, has scheduled a “critical meeting” for today for union members to meet with members of the community. The intention is to “ensure we have the commitment to solidarity from them,” and “to work on a plan of action,” the association said in a news release.

Leaders of the Little Rock School District and its employee union are to resume 2018-19 contract talks Monday, a week after Arkansas Education Commissioner Johnny Key asked for concessions on teacher employment protections in 22 schools that received D and F ratings.

Last week, Key rejected a tentative agreement that was reached Oct. 3 by teams representing the school district and the Little Rock Education Association union.

The association said in its news release that the situation has grown bigger than Key’s proposal for D- and F-rated schools “to be able to fire their teachers.”

“This is about the disrespect and disdain that has been shown to the city of Little Rock community since the state takeover. The contract situation is just the latest in a series of slaps to the face that our students, educators, families, and community has endured,” the association said in the news release.

The Little Rock School District has been controlled by the state since 2015 because of low test scores in six schools at that time. Key serves as the school board and must approve the contract between the district and its workers.

Today’s meeting is scheduled for 4 p.m. at First United Methodist Church, 723 Center St. in Little Rock.