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Hundreds of teachers packed the Pennsbury School board meeting in Levittown, Pa Thursday night.
The teachers and the school board have been locked in a contract dispute since June of last year. Teachers insist they’re seeking a modest pay raise, while the school board is calling for a wage freeze and higher health care deductibles. The board says it’s facing a budget deficit of more than a million dollars.
“It’s not about whether we like the teachers. We’re in very tough economic times right now and they’ve got to understand this" said board member Simon Campbell.
Earlier this month, a 5th grade class at Penn Valley Elementary School was given an assignment viewed by some as pro-union. It included a letter from a fictitious student who argues teachers aren’t being paid enough.
Some parents agree the teachers deserve more, but aren’t happy with the timing.
“I stand behind the teachers because I think they do a good job. Unfortunately, I don’t have any more money to pay in taxes. My taxes are through the roof,” said Kim Conti of Levittown.
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Teachers want the school board to put an offer on the table.
