MCKEESPORT, Pa. — Teachers in the McKeesport Area School District are putting their foot down.
Channel 11 spoke with Theresa Lea, a teacher in the district.
“I think we’re pretty much at our wit’s end but we want to try and do it as respectful as possible and what’s most fair to our children because the kids in the school are what’s more important to us. We want what’s fair for us, but we also want what’s fair for them,” Lea said.
Thursday, the teachers union publicly announced a unanimous vote to authorize a strike.
That vote was taken in August, right after the school board voted down a contract that was tentatively agreed upon by both sides, according to union president Gerald McGrew.
That proposed contract called for raises between 3% and 6.5% over the next five years.
The school board said it could not afford those pay raises without significantly raising taxes or furloughing teachers.
“Both sides agreed to the contract. We took their side of the contract. It’s not my fault that your house is in disarray,” McGrew said.
According to McGrew, negotiation sticking points include pay, classroom policies, and school security.
The district’s business manager also recently resigned which has slowed negotiations.
“Now, it’s become a huge problem. Before, it was an issue because they lost faith in him and were using him as the scapegoat. Now, it’s a huge issue because there isn’t one,” McGrew said.
In response to the strike authorization, district superintendent Dr. Tia Wanzo said in a statement to Channel 11, “We remain hopeful that we will come to a mutually beneficial agreement.”
The district has also hired an independent auditor to evaluate its finances.
“I’d like to see that the district is financially sound to be able to deal in good faith,” said school board member Joe Lopretto.
Channel 11 also reached out to the school board president, LaToya Wright, but did not hear back.
The board meets next on Oct. 25.
McGrew says if there is not an agreement by then, he’d like to see a strike begin as soon as possible.
Teachers would have to give the district 48 hours’ notice if they do go on strike.
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