More than 400 teachers, counselors and librarians represented by CTA have been working under an expired contract since June 1998. Organizers planned the festivities to coincide with this week's visit from a 13-member accreditation team sent by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges to evaluate the community college. Since entering mediation in the spring, faculty and district negotiators have met several times to no avail. The next negotiating session is scheduled Oct. 18. Sandra Dillon, the district's chief negotiator, declined to comment Monday on the sticking points holding up a settlement.
Negotiations are confidential.
Students attending the protest said the administration is undermining their education by distracting teachers from classroom business. We want our teachers respected. They should get their fair share. After walking past the mock funeral procession, Donald Berz, chairman of the accreditation committee, said collective bargaining issues are not included in the standards the committee will review while on campus this week. Meanwhile, SCC's governing board ratified 1998-99 contracts with the classified employees unions last week.