[Vincent D. Bradley] was unhappy with the outcome. He said the health coverage contribution is too modest and that [Steven Gregson] and the other members of the negotiating team hadn't provided the entire committee with enough facts about the proposal.

Jane Argentieri, assistant director of the union's parent, National Education Association Rhode Island, said the School Committee had gotten the better of the union in many areas. She said the board could have, and should have, offered more in retroactive pay -- and asserted that the lower figure was payback for the teachers' working to rule.

"In comparison to some of the other local [unions] in Rhode Island, they've been treated poorly," Argentieri said. "The School Committee is very proud that they stuck it to the teachers."