The Yankton School District (YSD) school board and the Yankton Education Association (YEA) have reached an impasse in contract negotiations.

“Now we will go through the legal process,” school board President Chris Specht said Thursday. “The Yankton Education Association and the board are both focused on coming to an agreement.”

In a letter published in today’s (Friday) Press & Dakotan, YEA President Paula Weydert said association members are “saddened” that the negotiation process came to an end when impasse was recently declared.

“The YEA is willing to be an equal partner in any fiscal discussion and solutions concerning budgetary matters that will help YSD,” she wrote. “We were disappointed when we were not provided with requested documents and information about fiscal matters, which prevented us from being able to make an informed decision regarding contractual matters.”

The board and the YEA will now attempt to reach a contractual agreement through the legal system.