MEDFORD, Ore. (AP) — Facing a teachers’ strike deadline of Feb. 6, the Medford, Ore., school board has declared a state of emergency.
The Medford Mail Tribune reports (http://is.gd/uPkLSV ) the board passed resolutions Wednesday to give Superintendent Phil Long extra authority, prohibit picketing on school property, restrict signs and banners at district facilities and authorize spending to continue school operations in the event of a strike.
The teachers union says it plans to strike Feb. 6 unless contract agreement can be reached. Bargaining teams for the district and the union met separately Tuesday with state mediators for about 10 hours but did not resolve any issues.
Both sides plan to meet with state mediators again on Feb. 5.
If teachers walk out Feb. 6, Long said schools would close for two days, then resume with substitute teachers teaching half days and schools consolidated at selected sites.
