Talks on raises for teachers to continue

After a session of maneuvering on offers Tuesday, negotiators for the Lawrence school board and Lawrence Education Association still ended up about $1 million apart on teacher raises for next year.

The two sides will head back to the table at 4:45 p.m. today at district headquarters, 110 McDonald Drive.

Administrator Frank Harwood, the board’s chief negotiator, said the team reached the end of its budget authority with its latest offer. It includes adding $825,728 overall to the salary schedule and $1.1 million for other increases – mostly $646,920 to start a new retirement plan and $324,000 to give elementary teachers more planning time.

LEA negotiators came down from earlier proposals. They asked for $1.85 million to be added to the salary schedule.

Board negotiators also proposed adding one day to the work year, making it 187 days for returning teachers and 191 for new ones.

LEA President Adela Solis, a Cordley School teacher, said the team’s offer aims to improve salaries, but she also noted that LEA’s movement Tuesday showed a “strong, good-faith effort” to continue to try to reach an agreement.