The ongoing contract dispute involving teachers in the Fargo school district is now being mediated and the mediation team recently provided its opinion to both sides concerning the issues.   The Fargo School Board President chose not to issue a comment specific to her feelings on the potential solutions suggested, but did call what the mediators had to say “interesting.  ”

According to the incoming president of the Fargo Education Association teachers’ union, union members will discuss the mediator’s report and determine their next step. 

The issues in dispute are teacher safety and salary requirements, as well as some secondary issues.   The impasse between the two sides was declared in mid-May after the last negotiation session before a mediator is was brought in to hear both sides of the dispute.  

One of the main points of contention concerning teacher safety is the language in the contract concerning how teachers can address attacks.   Mediators suggested teachers have a right to a safe workplace that is free of threats of violence from students.   They also suggested safety training, as well as a task force that would include teachers, district administrators, and other staff. 

As far as salary, the mediation panel recommended no changes in terms of seniority, but raises for those who earned higher degrees.    Finally, the mediation panel believes both sides should return to the table to further discuss salary issues, but that a task force should be appointed to consider long-term changes concerning pay.   Additional recommendations were made concerning legal responsibility for students, seniority concerning transfers, layoffs and leave, professional training time, and a rebranding of the role of mediators as facilitators.