Manatee schools declares impasse

Manatee County Public Schools on Wednesday declared an impasse with the Manatee Education Association.

The district and the MEA have continued in the collective bargaining process for the 2010-2011 school year from June 28, 2010, to Jan. 5, 2011. By declaring an impasse, the district is stating it does not desire to mediate and has requested the appointment of a special magistrate.

“Because we are in the midst of the budget process for the next school year, and we continue to face additional cuts in funding, time is of the essence to get these issues resolved,” said Darcy Hopko, assistant superintendent and chief negotiator for the district. “Regarding the special magistrate, we feel the best option to reach a resolution on these issues is to let an independent third-party review them and assist in rendering an opinion.”

In the past three school years, the district has cut its operational budget by $46.7 million. The district expects potential cuts for the 2011-2012 school year to be an additional $10 to $15 million.

“We look forward to reaching an agreement that will be in the best interest of the district, the MEA, our students and our community,” Hopko said.