Negotiations between the Kasson-Mantorville School District and the area teacher’s union have reached an impasse. The sticking point is in relation to salary and benefits, so the two sides will head to mediation in hopes of reaching a compromise.

The Kasson-Mantorville Education Minnesota (KMEM), which is an affiliate of the Education Minnesota teachers’ union filed for mediation after negotiations failed. KMEM President and fourth grade teacher reports he is optimistic and hopes that a fair resolution can still be reached. No date is set for mediation yet, but many expect it to begin within weeks.

Negotiations between the district and the union began last spring. In January of 2016, the board requested the union present the proposal of just over seven percent increase over two years to the membership, which the union voted down overwhelmingly. That proposal included salaries and benefits for all teachers and staff, and was based on data that came from nearby districts.

According to a teacher in the union, there were at least 30 language issues in the agreement. He reported the board was gracious, but the union doesn’t think it’s fair for all of its members, and stated “they are not quite there yet” regarding the agreement.