Taking to the streets – teachers in the Eagle Point School District began striking at six o’clock Tuesday morning after negotiating through the night.
“Were coming up on 24-hours here,” said Dave Carrell with the Eagle Point Education Association.
Union members said one of three sticking points were resolved.
“They’ve come to an agreement on subcontracting out our buses, leaving classroom instructional minutes still on the table and prorating our classified’s insurance is still on the table,” said Carrell.
District officials weren’t able to leave negotiations to speak with NBC5, but they’ve said they’re coming to the table in the spirit of cooperation and they hope the union is as well.
But caught in the middle is 19-year-old Brittany Hale, a Senior at Eagle Point High School with cerebral paulsy which affects the muscles in her body.
“I’m just worried about who will be there to help me with my physical needs,” said Hale.
She said her teachers help her write, get to classes and even help her go to the bathroom…now those teachers are striking.
“It makes me feel scared,” Hale said.
Hale said the district’s plan to bring in substitute teachers does not give her reassurance.
“Subs won’t know me as well,” she began.
“[I] just want everything to be resolved, finish out the year strong,” said Hale.
Teachers and officials at the Eagle Point School District agree with Brittany Hale. Both sides are trying to reach a resolution too…but not before putting up a fight.
It’s still unknown how long strike will last. The district said varsity sports and senior projects are staying on schedule. However, school for the rest of this week has been cancelled. Substitute teachers are expected to start teaching next Monday.
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