Some concerns have arisen from a 2006 bill passed by the Oklahoma State legislature that granted all Oklahoma teachers a $3,000 dollar raise.

The Chickasha School District followed the law and paid their teachers, however there was an additional raise that was to be paid to the teacher’s retirement fund in two installments of $125 per year for two years and then it would remain a general increase to the teacher’s annual salary each year thereafter.

The District agreed to pay this amount last year and paid the first installment. This year, however, the District may not pay the second installment because of budgeting issues.

Both sides of the issue have little to say at this point on this year’s contract negotiations.

CUTA President Donya Charlson said, “Our contract with the district states that we aren’t allowed to comment on anything that is a subject in our negotiations. We are drafting a letter and will be sending it to Mr. Glaze, as our regulations instruct, so that he may have an opportunity to address the topics in a letter to the media as well. That is, if he finds it necessary. But, like I said, expect a letter from CUTA this week explaining and addressing the concerns we have.”

Superintendent of Chickasha Schools, Jim Glaze, when asked about the topic said, “I can tell you that the $3,000 dollars was paid as the law mandated and I can’t comment on any issues the Union may have, it just wouldn’t be ethical, so the bottom line is we’ll just have to wait until the negotiations are resolved.”

Other sources have came forward saying, “There is supposed to be a federal mediator that is coming in to help with the negotiations, because this is typically done and a contract is signed before school even starts, but, not this year.”