LANCASTER, Pa. — 100 days into the school year and some Lancaster County teachers are still working without a contract.
The Hempfield School District board meeting was overflowing with teachers and community members Tuesday night, who pushed for an agreement to be made. Union officials say if negotiations don’t reach a deal soon, a teacher strike could come as soon as next week.
Hempfield Education Association President, Tony Jannotta expressed the frustration that teachers in the area are feeling as they have continued to work without clear conditions since June 30, when the previous contract ended.
“There's a lack of trust, we feel like there's a lack of support by the administration and the board and overall it just brings everybody down. Not many people are willing to go above and beyond for those extras,” Jannotta said.
Teachers held a rally ahead of the Oct. 8 board meeting, taking a stand in their fight for a contract. Jannotta said the HEA just wants a fair contract that resembles what others in the county receive.
The average salary for teachers in the Hempfield School District during the 2022-2023 school year was $81,570, while the average administration salary was $122,810.
Jannotta expressed that in past years, Hempfield’s contracts have been good but the delay in creating a contract for the 2024-2025 school year could have negative effects down the road.
“Especially with teacher shortages, there aren’t as many people in the pool anymore. So we’re really looking to continue to have our excellent contracts so that we can recruit the excellent teachers that this community has come to expect,” Jannotta said.
At the board meeting, members of the community went the extra mile to support those who have helped them grow, including students like Allison Nicholas.
Nicholas shared how her first-grade teacher spent extra time with her when she was learning letters, which created a passion for reading.
For Hempfield High School senior, Uriah Hoover, his connection with his teachers empowered him to speak out at the meeting. Helping teachers in a time of need like they have for him.
“I am on the autism spectrum, I have also been diagnosed with ADHD and I also have mild hearing loss in my left ear...All of my teachers throughout my entire schooling career have always been supportive of that, and I’m now supporting them because they supported me and I feel like I should return the favor,” Hoover said.
The school board was unavailable for comment on the situation and both sides have refrained from disclosing what’s holding up the deal until an agreement is reached.