Youngstown Education Association set to begin contract negotiations today

After publicly requesting to meet with the board of education to discuss their contracts during a meeting April 19, the Youngstown City School teachers are getting the chance to negotiate.

Initially, the Youngstown Education Association union alleged that the school board canceled April negotiation meetings for their contracts, which are set to expire June 30.

Jim Courim, Youngstown Education Association spokesperson, said negotiations for a new Collective Bargaining Agreement will begin this evening.

“It is a great chance to pave the way for big things for Youngstown’s students and the Youngstown community. We are also hopeful that the negotiations are successfully resolved in a timely manner,” he said.

Courim added he and the union are excited for the two parties to come together at the negotiating table and collaboratively work on a new agreement.

“If both parties keep Youngstown’s students at the center of our focus, we should be able to bargain a strong, forward-looking contract well before the current contract expires on June 30,” Courim said.

Tiffany Patterson, Youngstown School Board president, again expressed confidence in the negotiating team to come to a conclusion that’s beneficial for all involved. Patterson didn’t provide any further comment.

Here was the Youngstown City School District’s initial response to the union.

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This story was originally published May 4, 2023 at 2:23 PM.