Peters Township strike: Finding facts, not fault, key to resolution
As a traveling father who looks forward to summer vacation and holidays with my kids, I’m trying to understand the decision of the Peters Township Federation of Teachers to strike. I am far from alone, so why are you not hearing more from the community? People are afraid to speak out in fear of retaliation. If the PTFT and the school board can share their point of view, then as a parent and taxpayer I can and will respectfully share my observations.
After only two months of working under an expired contract, the PTFT made the decision to strike. To further their interests, the PTFT chose to deprive our children their right to be in school, much needed holiday breaks and family time. They have left many families scrambling to find care; they have left kids feeling confused and upset about missing school. Kids are aware of the implications, and sad about having holiday time taken away. Senior students are left wondering how they will apply to colleges and graduate on time.
Some reports indicate that reactions to the strike are passive. A mild reaction to the strike is not what I am hearing at all. Parents are outraged! No matter which side of the negotiations people lean, they are outraged over the decision to strike.
“I realize that there are some teachers that are opposed to the strike, but teachers are supposed to be good role models for our children. Sadly, we are witnessing the opposite every time we pass the picket lines. The irreversible damage this strike is doing to our kids and this community is simply heartbreaking,” said Deborah Blasher.
“I, like many families in the PT community, do not understand the purpose or strategy of this strike. Ultimately, the students are the ones paying the price for the actions of the PTFT, and damaging relationships within our community,” said Shauna Murphy.
“The majority of neighbors and individuals I’ve spoke to about this strike are not on the side of the PTFT. The board should not succumb to the pressure of the union,” said Andy Hazlewood.
So now, parents are in a situation that was not our choice, reading reports that don’t reflect how the community really feels. Some have encouraged us not to get involved, because it’s not our business. I wholeheartedly disagree. We are talking about the future of our children, the value of our property and the ability of our township to have a balanced budget. The decisions made in these negotiations will affect our school taxes and, in turn, our ability as families to pay for our own rising costs.
Let me be clear about one thing: there is a distinct difference between the PTFT and an individual teacher. Our township is lucky to have many dedicated teachers who are passionate about their job. My children have had several dedicated teachers. Unfortunately, as part of a union, I have no way to view or recommend rewards for these teachers. What the PTFT asks for one teacher must be given to all regardless of what you teach, how well you teach, how much you care or how much time you put in. It is under this condition that I formulate my position.
• School taxes in Peters Township have gone up 9 percent in the last two years due to ACT-1 (Taxpayer Relief Act) exclusions. This was 5 percent over ACT-1 guidelines.
• Even with no increases in the upcoming contract, taxes will go up approximately 3.6 mills, which amounts to 3.37 percent.
• PTFT wants no increase in health insurance contributions for “Cadillac” health benefits at one third the cost of what most of us pay for high deductible plans.
In addition, the PTFT is striking during a time that is especially problematic for the district. The state budget is in limbo and reassessments are coming next year. Several unknown factors face the board including pension obligations, state funding, health insurance costs and the need for infrastructure spending.
The PTFT has responded by comparing millage rates and what other districts spend on a per pupil basis. It is easy to get confused by all the facts out there, so I respond with a simple comparison:
• According to openpagov.org, in the 2013-2014 school year the average teacher’s salary in PTSD was about 3 percent more than Upper St. Clair and about 3 percent less than Mt. Lebanon.
• At the same time, according to www.portal.state.pa.us, SAT scores at PTSD are on average 118 points lower than both of these schools.
It is unfortunate that the PTFT does not recognize how good they have it. You need look no further than that $34,000 bump step that was raised to $40,000 in the last contract, all part of the fiscal mismanagement of those no longer in the district. With a new superintendent and newly elected school board members, they recognize and are forced to face economic realities.
As the strike continues, emotions are escalating, negative consequences are being forced on children and the irrefutable economic facts are becoming more apparent. If the teachers are feeling like they are on an island, they should remember who put them there – it was the leaders of the PTFT. It is time for the PTFT to end the strike, so teachers can go back to doing what they do best and at the same time demonstrate to our kids that conflicts are resolved by examining the facts and recognizing that the wants of a few should not overshadow the needs of the many.
We are all in this together; be educated with the facts, not emotion. We all have a voice, so use it! Remember to be respectful of the individuals involved. Our kids are watching, be a positive example.
Rodney Gaetano is a resident and parent in Peters Township.