HUNTINGTON BEACH : Parent Says Access to Talks Blocked

An Ocean View School District parent activist is accusing the district and its teachers’ union of blocking public access to details of ongoing teacher contract talks.

The complaint filed with the state Office of Employee Relations criticizes the Ocean View Teachers Assn.’s initial contract proposal, arguing that its stated positions are too vague for an average parent to understand.

The document also states that Ocean View officials, before finalizing a new teachers’ contract, should divulge the specific positions of the district and the teachers’ union during a public hearing.

The complaint was filed by parent Gordon Busch, leader of two district advisory committees. He said he is backed by “at least six or seven” other parents, including several foes of the teachers’ union.

District and union officials contend that their approach to negotiations that began last month complies with all state requirements.

The charges stem from a change this year in the district’s approach to labor contract talks. Hoping to end recent acrimony between the Ocean View administration and its two employee unions, the district has introduced a “collaborative bargaining” process.

In past talks, administrators and union leaders each staked out their positions before beginning talks. Under the new approach, leaders from each side only identify the issues to be discussed and then work together toward agreement.

Supt. Monte McMurray said Monday that he is comfortable leaving the matter to the Public Employees Relations Board. The state board hears complaints from government officials, employees or residents concerning public labor issues.