KLAMATH FALLS, OR - The Klamath Falls City Schools (KFCS) District and Superintendent Keith Brown today issued a formal response to the recent "mega-complaint" and subsequent press release issued by the Oregon Education Association (OEA). The district categorically denies all allegations of illegal harassment, intimidation, or retaliation.
The district seeks to have the public understand the core realities of the current labor negotiations and district’s ongoing effort in negotiations to ensure that it does not agree to terms that result in unsustainable financial commitments.
The district has sought to focus on the collaborative work of reaching a fair contract and encourages the parties to continue to engage in bargaining to reach a contract that recognizes the hard work of employees but does not impair the financial considerations of the district" said Superintendent Keith Brown. "The district remains committed to the safety, professional respect, and fair compensation of all our staff. The complaint contains inaccurate allegations and we hope that it does not distract from making progress in mediation."
Setting the Record Straight
In response to the specific claims made by the OEA and KFACE leadership, the district provides the following clarifications:
· Transparency vs. Harassment: Official District correspondence regarding union leadership is a matter of administrative transparency. Providing the community and staff with factual context regarding public statements made by union representatives is not "harassment"; it is a responsibility to ensure all stakeholders have a complete and accurate picture of District operations.
· Contingency Planning for Student Safety: The District’s primary obligation is to the education and safety of its students. Discussing contingency plans, including the potential use of volunteers, is standard administrative due diligence in the face of a potential strike. The attempt to serve students is not “bizarre” or illegal as alleged.
· Good Faith Bargaining: The district has remained at the bargaining table in good faith. KFCS has offered competitive wage increases that balance the needs of our valued classified staff with the long-term fiscal health of the district.
· Respect for Public Resources: The District remains committed to the lawful use of public resources.
Focusing on Solutions
“We value our classified employees, they are the backbone of our schools,” Superintendent Brown continued. “We remain focused on mediation. We look forward to meeting with the mediator and union representatives this month to find a sustainable path forward for our staff and our students.”
KFCS will continue to prioritize the education of Klamath Falls students and the stability of the school community.