The strike continues in the Medford school district.
Tuesday students were met by substitute teachers who crossed picket lines to get to classrooms. District officials report about 68 percent of students showed up. According to the Medford Mail Tribune, one North Medford High School student reported class sizes of as many as 60 students. The large size prompted a walkout by the seniors.
District officials had re-opened the schools with about 200 substitute teachers, and 300 classified staff and administrators, who are not on strike. Half day schedules are in place, and schools have been combined, with some buildings closed.
The large class sizes yesterday prompted a call to the fire marshal to investigate safety concerns.
A state mediator met briefly with district and union leaders yesterday for a status update. Contract negotiations will resume at 9:30 a.m. today at an undisclosed location.