Williston school board, teachers prepare for negotiations

WILLISTON, N.D. (KUMV) - Negotiations between the Williston Basin School Board and the Williston Education Association haven’t always been easy. Representatives of both sides are set to determine ground rules this month. Their focus is maintaining a positive atmosphere.

“It’s been really pleasant working together so far. We look to keep that going,” said Jeff Winslow, lead negotiator for WEA.

The board will have attorney Seth Thompson lead efforts similar to 2023. While initially frowned upon by the teachers' union, both sides came to a quick and fair agreement.

“He does a really good job. Very professional, very thorough, and brings good insights to the board. He’s very respectful to WEA,” said Kyle Renner, school board president.

With four board members up for election in June, a new superintendent taking over, and a new school being constructed, change is in the air. Teachers are hoping for an attractive contract to bring more people to the district.

“It feels like there’s a shared commitment to being able to find solutions that support us as educators and, at the end of the day, keep students at the center and forefront of our decision-making,” said Winslow.

The negotiations will start with contracted hours and non-financial terms. The discussion over money will come after the state legislature passes the DPI budget. Right now, the state is calling for a two percent increase to the per-pupil budget each year, but WEA negotiator Jeff Winslow said he hopes it will be higher.

A four-day school week is unlikely to be discussed, even though a Williston High School class surveyed on the matter that was promoted by the district.