School board, teachers agree to March date for mediation

Negotiating teams from the Brainerd School District and Education Minnesota Brainerd, the teachers' union, have agreed to a mediation date for the district's unsettled teachers' contract.

Superintendent Steve Razidlo said Thursday the Bureau of Mediation Services suggested sending a mediator on March 9 to Brainerd to attempt to mediate a contract settlement between the district and its teachers. The district's negotiating team reported back to the bureau, agreeing to the date.

"We have blocked out a significant portion of that day in hopes we'll make meaningful progress," said Razidlo.

EMB president Tim Edinger said the union also responded to the state, agreeing to the date for mediation.

JODIE TWEED may be reached at jodie.tweed@brainerddispatch.com or 855-5858.