With school year at end, Manhattan Beach school district, teachers union reach tentative bargain agreement
After months of mounting tension between Manhattan Beach Unified School District administrators and the teachers union, the two parties have finally reached a tentative agreement for the 2013-2014 school year. The agreement, which includes a five-percent raise for certified teachers retroactive to last July, was the result of a seven-hour negotiation with a mediator May 2 — the ninth session between the two parties since September. “It always feels good to reach an agreement and know that the two sides came together,” said MBUSD Superintendent Mike Matthews. “It was difficult, but I’m thankful for the efforts of [the union], the negotiation team and the mediator. I think the entire community is relieved to have a settlement.” Shawn Chen, president of the Manhattan Beach Unified Teachers Association (MBUTA), said the union is satisfied with the terms of the agreement but not “with the process that was required to get a reasonable deal.” “This should have wrapped up by December,” Chen said. “None of the concessions they were willing to make matched any of the concessions we were willing to make until last Friday.” MBUTA members will meet Wednesday for a vote. If a majority of its…
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