Oregon Public Broadcasting

The Portland school district and its teachers’ union have officially hit a snag in contract talks. Rob Manning reports.

The two sides began mediation last August after negotiating for months with little progress.

The school district has now increased the pressure, by declaring an impasse. That triggers a 30-day cooling off period.

After that, the district could begin implementing a final offer, or the union could move toward a strike.

School district negotiator, Rick Liebman says impasse is a positive step – because it brings more pressure and more attention from state mediators.

Rick Liebman: “The only reason we’re going into the impasse mode, and the publication, and the cooling-off period is to try to reach an agreement. At this point, we have no intention of implementing a final offer.”

Liebman says the economy is driving tough financial decisions.

But the Portland Association of Teachers says the pay being offered would make its beginning teachers some of the lowest-paid in the region – after years of concessions on salary and benefits.