Teachers, Burbank Schools Ask for Mediation in Contract Talks

Burbank teachers and school district officials agreed Friday to call in a state mediator to help settle contract negotiations over salaries and use of lottery funds.

Representatives from the school district and the Burbank Teachers Assn. said they are unable to reach agreement on the issues, which are being negotiated for the final year of a three-year contract that expires June 30, 1986.

“It’s a question of money,” school board President William S. Abbey said.

District negotiators have proposed an across-the-board 1.75% salary increase and a one-time bonus payment. The bonuses would be financed with up to 55% of State Lottery revenue above $250,000 allocated to the Burbank Unified School District. But the bonuses would be limited to 2.25% of each teacher’s salary.

Teachers have requested an across-the-board 10% salary increase and a one-time bonus payment consisting of 75% of all lottery revenue above $100,000 allocated to the district. The teachers want no limit on the bonuses.

School officials said they do not have projections for the lottery income.

Also at issue are teachers’ daily hours and a proposal for a new job of liaison between teachers and district officials, Burroughs said.

Friday’s negotiating session was the eighth meeting in the last several months on contract issues for the 1985-86 school year.