One day after Missouri’s new Governor, Jeremiah “Jay” Nixon took the oath of office, the newly elected officers and trustees of Local 3820, North Kansas City School District, raised their right hands and were sworn into office. “Now it’s someone else’s turn to run things,” jokingly stated out-going president Shirlean Burt. She then completed her last official act of her presidency and welcomed the newly elected president Ron Yount. Shirlean Burt is not going far though. She was elected vice-president by acclimation.
“We are all looking forward to the next two years.” stated Ron Yount, “It ‘s been rough lately.” Yount was referring to the break down in contract negotiations between the union and the North Kansas City school district. “What our members don’t know yet, is that I’ve received a letter from the district wanting to re-open negotiations. I think with our new officers and with a new Rep. [Business Representative] from Council 72, things just might turn around for us.”
Local 3820 is making plans to elect a negotiating team and go to the negotiating table as soon as possible so that they have an opportunity to make recommendations for salary and other economic issues for the districts upcoming budget cycle. “We know that things are tough in the economy right now. Every-one is making sacrifices. But if one group of employees is getting a raise then we should all be considered.” said Yount, “Our union will do whatever we can help to help the district get funds. It’s better for every-one if we work together.”