THOUSAND OAKS : Teachers Post Union Signs Outside Office

Teachers from the Conejo Valley Unified School District displayed more than 20 pro-union posters and banners on the front lawn of the district office in Thousand Oaks on Wednesday, as union and district officials met for continuing contract negotiations.

The teachers, members of the Unified Assn. of Conejo Teachers, said the banners representing most of the district’s 27 schools were posted to show support for the union, which has been negotiating since the teachers’ contract expired last June.

Union representative Hal Vick said the union and the district are far apart in areas such as salaries and benefits. Teachers are seeking a 10% salary increase, while the district is offering 4%, Vick said.

Supt. William Seaver stopped briefly to talk with about a dozen teachers as they drove the banners, attached to stakes, into the district lawn.

In an interview later, Seaver said Wednesday’s meeting was the 18th negotiating session between the two sides. He said agreement has been reached on a third of the items discussed.