Akron teachers’ negotiations under more scrutiny with November levy looming

By John Higgins

The Akron school board’s decision to sit out the March primary and instead try for a new-money levy in November raises the stakes at the bargaining table for teachers, whose two-year contract expires this year.

Both sides agree that a negotiation demonstrating the teachers’ willingness to sacrifice could help win support for a tax hike in tough times.

But how much sacrifice will be enough?

School officials, parents and voters in four area districts seeking new money on the March ballot