Dickinson Teachers Sue State Board Over Contracts

DICKINSON, N.D. (AP) — A dispute over contracts for school teachers in Dickinson has landed in court.

Southwest District Judge Dan Greenwood has ordered the school board not to enforce a 30-day deadline for teachers to sign a two-year contract or be released from their jobs. He also said the district should issue a contract for the upcoming school year only. He's scheduled a Sept. 23 hearing on the matter.

The school board unilaterally issued two-year contracts in July after the two sides failed to reach a negotiated agreement. The contract is based on recommendations by a state fact-finding commission.

The 231 teachers represented by the Dickinson Education Association then sued the school board, saying a two-year contract would be to their disadvantage.