vcpsbldgValley City, ND (KCSi-T.V. News) — The first negotiations of the Advisory Committee, is set for Wednesday September 4, 2013, at 4-p.m., at the public school Administration building.

Superintendent Dean Koppelman says he Public School board and the Valley City Education Association are using mediators to settle their differences over a negotiated agreement between both sides.

The two major issues for the teachers are salary increases for teachers with length of time and experience serving in the district, healthcare cost issues among other concerns.

School Board Chairperson Joyce Braunagel says the district is dealing with a budget shortfall after the loss of 25 students last year.

Dick Gulmon will be chairman of the mediation board. Art Goffe represents the Valley City Education Association, and Gary Thune represents the school board.