MichiganRadio

Teachers in Grand Rapids Propose Contract Deal ANN ARBOR, MI (Michigan Radio) -


A proposed deal to settle a teachers' contract dispute in the Grand Rapids Public School district may end up driving the two sides further apart.

Grand Rapids teachers have been working without a contract for nearly two years. The teachers and the school board have had some bitter exchanges over salaries and benefits.

The teachers' association is now proposing a deal, that would retroactively cover the past two years. They claim the new proposal is identical to one the school board proposed last year.

School Board president Cathy Mueller blasted the teachers' offer, saying it falls far short of taking into account the economic realities and educational challenges facing the district.

Grand Rapids Education Association President Paul Helder says he's surprised by the school board's reaction.

The two sides are still scheduled to take part in contract fact finding this spring. © Copyright 2012, Michigan Radio