School budget battle continues in Miami-Dade

MIAMI (WSVN) -- The teachers' union has announced the need for a third party to come in and help find money in the school's budget for a promised pay increase for teachers.

Miami-Dade County School Board members were unable to reach an agreement with the United Teachers of Dade following a weekend of negotiations.

The union was upset with the district's decision not to honor a salary increase, which board members argue it can't afford.

School board members have already cut $200 million from the budget and more than 2,000 positions to make up for this year's budget shortfall. "We have come with our suggestions. We have come even with our breakdowns, and yet they have come with no figures, no acceptance, and we keep chasing a bouncing ball," said UTD President Karen Aronowitz.

The district responded with the following statement: "The school board has been acting in good faith all along. We have made ourselves available at their request."

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