Education Association Calls Board Information Misleading

The following is press release from the West Chester Area Education Association.

The West Chester Area Education Association (WCAEA) said today that assertions by representatives of the West Chester School District in regards to contract negotiations are both misleading and inflammatory.

WCAEA President Debbie Fell said the teacher’s union is not seeking an 18 percent pay raise over the next three years and is uncertain of the origin of that figure. Fell noted that under the district’s current proposal, the union’s 943 members would actually lose money – when the amount of increased contributions toward medical benefits is factored into the question.

In addition, Fell is concerned that they have not had a negotiation session since June 28th and the next session is not scheduled until August 9th.  

“The WCAEA is willing and eager to continue negotiations with the district, but we’re essentially at a standstill. By the time we’re negotiating again, the new school year will be less than a month away,” Fell said. “We realize there’s always a lot of posturing during negotiations, but it’s in the best interest of everyone involved – especially our students – to reach common ground.”

Fell said the WCAEA is seeking cost-of-living raises over the next three years, not 18 percent, as well as the “step raises” already in place through previous contracts. Under the WCAEA plan, a teacher making $50,000 would receive a $1,500 raise.  

The WCAEA also notes that the district’s current proposal would add another class to the workload of the teachers – going from five to six classes.

The district bases a teacher’s pay on the number of classes they teach.  A teacher teaching only 3 classes receives 60% of their base pay, no benefits, and is considered part-time; while a teacher who teaches 4 classes receives 80% compensation compared to a teacher teaching 5 classes who receives full pay and benefits.

“When we teach fewer classes we make less in salary – so if we teach more classes shouldn’t we be receiving more pay?” Fell asked. “The district wants to have it both ways, paying less to teachers who teach less, but not paying more to teachers who teach more. If we accepted that portion of the proposal, we would be agreeing to take a 20 percent pay cut.”

About the West Chester Area Education Association

The West Chester Area Education Association (WCAEA) represents over 900 professionals in the West Chester Area School District including, teachers, school counselors, nurses, school psychologists, librarians, and other educational specialists.