Members of the Jordan Education Association are disappointed with the negotiating method chosen this year by the Jordan School Board. With new school board members and a new superintendent, employees felt calm and hopeful with improving morale.

The JEA negotiations team desired collaboration through interest-based bargaining. Hope was lost when the board chose to "broker" negotiations through an attorney.

The school board encourages collaboration; yet, sending a broker to negotiations prevented collaboration. The board supports the "Leader in Me" program; yet, sending a broker not invested in the success of students made a win-win agreement impossible.

The school board and administration tell teachers they are valuable; yet, teachers do not see their words matched by actions. If the outcome the board sought was to improve educator morale, they have not succeeded.

JEA members are very concerned over language in the board's proposal that negates our right to negotiate policies that impact student learning environments and educator working conditions.

A 2011 Dan Jones survey showed that the public favors teachers negotiating their salary, benefits and working conditions. JEA hopes mediation will be more collaborative.

Jennifer Boehme President Jordan Education Association

South Jordan