Austin’s schools superintendent is hopeful a contract agreement can be reached with teachers this week.

Wednesday, January 05, 2000

Austin’s schools superintendent is hopeful a contract agreement can be reached with teachers this week.

Dr. James A. Hess’ optimism came after the teachers’ bargaining unit and negotiators for Austin Independent School District No. 492 announced a tentative agreement this week.

The Austin Education Association took a proposed agreement to its members in early December. However, the teachers rejected it, sending its negotiation team back to the bargaining table.

On Monday, a newly revised agreement was presented to the AEA. Teachers will vote on it Thursday and Friday.

"It takes a two-thirds affirmative vote for the contract to be approved," Hess said.

If that approval comes from the AEA’s members, the pact will be considered by the Austin Board of Education next week at a special meeting.

"I am very hopeful we can reach an agreement with the teachers and move forward," Hess said.

The school district faces a Jan. 15 deadline to reach accord with its teachers. If that doesn’t happen, the district faces a school aid funding cut, amounting to an estimated $120,000.

The AEA’s members have been working without a new pact since June.