Unit 4, Teachers Union Request Federal Mediator

The union representing teachers in Champaign's Unit 4 schools says its negotiators and the district have requested a federal mediator.

The Champaign Federation of Teachers said in an email to members Friday that they'd made progress in negotiations on issues including some school clubs and sports, evaluation and mentoring. But after a Thursday night bargaining session, union president Jen White detailed in separate categories what she called "bad news" and "more bad news."

Those included Unit 4's proposal to extend the school day and negotiations over the schedules for school librarians.

In a statement to the News-Gazette on Thursday, school board president Chris Kloeppel said the board continues to bargain in good faith, and he hopes to reach a fair contract soon.

The latest contract between the union and school district expired at the end of June.

White said in the email to union members that the timing of the next bargaining session will depend on a federal mediator's schedule.