VIERA -- Negotiations resumed Monday on a new contract for Brevard County teachers.
Both sides have been talking for six months, but no deal has been reached.
Brevard County Schools negotiate a new contract each year.
"By golly, we're going to fight for you," said Janet Eastman, president of the Brevard Teachers Federation, heading into negotiations with the school district.
The meeting comes as lawmakers in Tallahassee debate $361 million in education cuts, $10 of which could be slashed from Brevard County alone. See Related Story.
That could force the district to close schools.
"We are looking at everything right now. Everything is on the table," said Christine Davis, spokeswoman for Brevard County Schools.
Despite that, the union still wants pay hikes, but may have to settle for protecting jobs.
"I will not take job cuts. I will not take a cut in salary," Eastman said.
Teachers have been working all school year without a contract. Now, the union president and school superintendent plan to meet weekly, but past negotiations have dragged into March.
If that happens, teachers may consider what they called "creative" methods to end the stalemate.
"It is demoralizing. They've lost some faith in the district, the system, us," Eastman said.
Both sides agreed the breakdown is largely caused by the state's cuts.
"The legislation has absolutely creamed us. Creamed us," Eastman said.
District officials said until final numbers come down from the state Capitol, there was no telling what the final agreement may be.
"That's been an ongoing negotiation," Davis said. "Everything is up in the air. We're working with the union all departments, staff, everyone about these cuts."
The union negotiations are expected to last all day Monday.
The superintendent is expected to make his cut proposals Jan. 20.
Last year, teachers received an average raise of 4.5 percent after negotiations ended in November.
School resumes Tuesday in Brevard County.
Comment on this story.