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Oregon Road Conditions & Cams Email Story to a Friend April 21, 2006 Rogue River contract approved By SANNE SPECHT Mail Tribune ROGUE RIVER — In the final act of resolution for last week’s short-lived strike, the Rogue River School Board on Thursday approved the teachers’ contract. The unanimous vote resulted in a standing ovation by board members and the district’s teachers. Board member Johney Myers made the ratification motion with a disclaimer he was "ashamed to only be able to offer (the teachers) a one percent raise." Myers said he thought additional funding would be coming from the state at the conclusion of the special session of the Legislature. Myers stated he was not present at the 10-hour marathon negotiating session April 12, which resulted in an agreement and ended the first teachers’ strike in Jackson County since 1973’s Public Employee Collective Bargaining Act. Criticized by the teachers for his perceived refusal to compromise during the yearlong negotiations, Myers came under fire last week for launching what teachers’ deemed a personal attack on fellow teacher and negotiating team member Joe Burns. Advertisement In the week prior to the day-and-a-half strike, Myers placed a large advertisement in the Rogue River Press newspaper challenging the teachers’ union position — and pointing out that the 14-year-veteran teacher did not live in the community. Teachers responded by picketing with "I (heart) Joe" and "I am Joe" buttons. Myers’ commentary was written on the reverse side of an advertisement for his Ben Franklin Pharmacy franchise. The Ben Franklin corporation issued a letter to Myers demanding he refrain from using company insignia in his personal statements. The School Board declared amnesty between parties regarding any pending legal matters resulting from negotiations. It also accepted the resignation of former Board Chairman Dick Handbury. Handbury resigned last week, after more than 20 years on the school board, as soon as the strike was declared. Superintendent Charles Hellman noted Handbury likely had sat in on 70 to 80 percent of the assembled teachers’ hiring interviews. The district will advertise the board seat for 20 days, said Hellman. The board will appoint an applicant May 19, who will will serve until June 30, 2007. Applications are due by May 12. The district also is seeking applicants for the budget committee. Applications can be submitted until 3 p.m. April 26 and can be obtained from the school system’s Web site at www.rogueriver.k12.or.us . Reach reporter Sanne Specht at 776-4497 or e-mail Rogue River contract approved ">[email protected] . Mail Tribune Home | Local News | Sports | Business | Obituaries | Life | Opinion AP News | Archives | Site Map | Community | Classified Copyright © 1997-2006 Mail Tribune, Inc. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions | Website Feedback www.bingo.com Home Security Systems Trunks, Footlocker Custom Build Computers Computer Security Discount Hotel Reservations online casinos news Send Flowers California Casinos GMAT Prep Windermere Van Vleet Deep Muscle Stimulator Sports Equipment Online Casino Reviews Online Bingo Entertainment Guide Online Casino Fundraisers Sudoku Online Casinos Canada Email Security Advertisement s Advertisement