JAY – School Committee members voted Thursday to uphold a teachers’ union grievance and pay experience steps without interest.

School Superintendent Robert Wall said the board’s decision would be sent to the Jay Education Association to see if they’re willing to accept it.

In late August, members of the association received letters from administration indicating they would be paid their step increases.

A few days later they received a letter stating they wouldn’t receive the additional pay for experience steps.

For teachers on steps that included multiple years, that meant they wouldn’t receive a few thousand dollars they had expected.

Jay teachers are in the second year without a new contract. Last year, the board paid the step increases despite not having a new agreement.

The association and school officials have been unable to reach an agreement on a contract.

Association members said earlier this year they were willing to accept an independent fact-finders report that would have tripled their insurance contributions and compromised on wage increases.

But School Committee negotiators declared the package too expensive for Jay taxpayers.

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