Rockford teachers union rejects contract offer

ROCKFORD (AP) — Rockford's teachers union has voted overwhelmingly to reject the district's most recent contract offer, sending negotiators back to the bargaining table.

Members of the Rockford Education Association voted 1,126 to 5 on Saturday to reject the offer.

District 205 Superintendent Dr. Robert Willis said Friday night that officials believed the contract was a fair and straight forward proposal that "treats teachers as the professionals that they are."

The three-year proposal called for no raises for teachers, increased class time and increases in health care payments.

Negotiations have been under way since May, and both sides have been working with a federal mediator. Negotiating teams plan to meet again Tuesday.