12/10/2002

By JANE SMITH and DOUG IRVING, KGW Staff

A crowd of protesting teachers convinced all but one member of the Portland School Board to abandon their meeting Tuesday evening, shortly after hearing a contract proposal that features benefit cuts and wage caps.

Board members walked out of the meeting shortly after it began, amid hoots and jeers from members of the teachers’ union. Only board member Derry Jackson remained; he called the walkout “very inconsiderate.”

"That's not an atmosphere of respect," Board president Karla Wenzel said after the meeting. "I wonder if that's the kind of atmosphere they want in their classrooms."

A crowd rallies outside the Portland School Board meeting. (KGW Photo)

The board still needs to cut $4 million from this year’s budget. It has been working already to trim $2.4 million, and is now looking at ending spring sports such as baseball, softball and track.

The district’s budget problems will return to the table Thursday at a board meeting. The teachers’ union is scheduled to meet with a mediator next month.

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		Board's letter to teachers

"If we have to give up salary -- and we will -- you should leave our contracts and health-care benefits so we can at least be competitive," union president Ann Nice said.