Mediation fails to resolve West Frankfort teacher contract dispute

KBSI FOX23 News at 9 p.m.

WEST FRANKFORT, Ill., (KBSI) — Contract talks between West Frankfort teachers and the CUSD 168 school board remain stalled after two bargaining sessions with a federal mediator failed to produce an agreement, the teacher’s union said.

In a statement Friday, American Federation of Teachers Local 817 President Tim Aldridge said members are “very disappointed in the lack of progress” and urged the board to prioritize students in negotiations.

The union said it has offered multiple cost-saving proposals since May but claims the board “has been unwilling to work collaboratively toward solutions.”

“We are fortunate to have such outstanding, experienced educators teaching our children in West Frankfort schools,” Aldridge said. “We must keep them here in our district to ensure that students receive the high-quality education they deserve.”