Contract negotiations remain stalled for teachers in the Mount Vernon School District, leaving educators concerned about pay and rising costs.

News 12 spoke Wednesday with two teachers affected by the standstill, which has continued since 2021. Thalia Langley, who has worked in the district since 2007, said her take-home pay has dropped as health care costs rise and salaries remain unchanged.

“Every year, for the past three years, my salary has gone down because my salary is not changing, but health care continues to increase,” Langley said.

On Monday, 15 union members attended a Board of Education meeting to express frustration. Teachers are asking for fair wages in new contracts.

David Israel, a teacher and treasurer with the Mount Vernon Federation of Teachers, said some educators have taken second jobs to cover bills and many longtime staff have left the district.

The district’s attorney said negotiations are ongoing and officials are working toward a settlement.