Teacher contract talks have been at impasse in Geary USD 475.

Dr. Corbin Witt, Superintendent of Schools, confirmed that a federal mediator will conduct a mediation session at the Devin Center on September 23. “The mediator will go back and forth between the bargaining units and try to get both bargaining units to work together and come up with a final contract.”

At the end of the session the two sides will meet jointly, “Especially if we can come up with something. ”

If the process with a mediator is unsuccessful the next step in the negotiations involves a fact finding process where both sides present formal evidence and testimony to try and convince the fact finder on the accuracy of their position. Once the fact finder recommendation is issued the two teams would have seven days to meet again for another negotiating session. If that fails to produce an agreement the Board of Education could issue unilateral terms and conditions of employment.

In the meantime, teachers are working under the agreement that was in effect during the past year.