Letter: Teachers' Union Disappointed in School Board

The West Chester Area Education Association (WCAEA) wants to continue to work with the negotiators selected by the school board in hopes of reaching a fair and equitable agreement.  We are disappointed that the school board has decided to negotiate in public through press releases and other communications, especially when members have not attended even one bargaining session. In fact, while WCAEA is ready to work all summer long to resolve the issues, not one bargaining session is being held between June 28 and August 9. 

While the school board has characterized its proposal as fair and fiscally responsible, the details and an analysis present a different picture.  The school board proposal of deferred raises, less comprehensive medical plans, increased premium co-pays and contributions would actually REDUCE a teacher’s effective salary 33% over the life of the agreement.     

All residents of the West Chester Area School District enjoy the benefits of a strong, fiscally stable school system.  The high quality reputation of the school district supports property values for all residents.  The PSSA results of the students in the district are among the highest in the entire state of Pennsylvania, with improvements made every year in all measured categories of students learning.  The taxes paid by residents in the district are the lowest in Chester County and among the lowest in the Commonwealth.

The teachers of the West Chester Area Education Association are members of the West Chester community.   We are homeowners and send our children to the schools in which we teach.  We are active members in our communities contributing our time and talent in our neighborhoods, churches, and community organizations.  We are in search of a contract that recognizes the value of our teachers and the success of our students.

Alex Yanushefski,  WCAEA treasurer.