Juneau Teachers Picket Over Expired Contract

0:00Reporting from The Daily News Now, I'm Corey with the latest in Anchorage. Teachers in Juneau are picketing over an expired contract with their district. More than 80 educators and family members gathered in the snow outside Thunder Mountain Middle School on Tuesday afternoon. They waved signs and rallied ahead of the school board meeting that evening. The contract ended last June and after over a year of talks, the two sides are now heading to arbitration on April 27th and 28th. Teachers have picketed multiple times last week and again on Tuesday at spots around town. They aim to highlight working without a new deal and build public support. Educators say the district has not fully recognized their role in local education. Community members can help by reaching out to board members or speaking at meetings. Meanwhile, the board unanimously passed its budget for next year during Tuesday's session. It keeps current services and adds funding for a linguit language teacher, a health assistant, a counselor, and costs from a support staff agreement.

1:02The budget also boosts staff at two high schools based on a new calculation method. In a five to two vote, they approved universal free breakfast at an estimated $230,000. Board members debated risks but moved forward while planning possible add-ons later. Overall, operating expenses hit more than $81,800,000, dipping into over $5,600,000 in savings. The district also seeks $2,100,000 from the city, plus $9,000 more for bus passes at one high school. They must submit by March 13th with talk set for March 18th. The Daily News Now is grateful to our sponsor for today's episode. A pillow that plays your sound quietly, comfortably, effortlessly, built for nighttime listening, so L-I-SOLYPILLOW.COM