No Contract, But Schools Ready to Start

Parents nervous about the state of labor relations ahead of tomorrow's school opening can rest assured teachers will be ready to do their jobs, but some other tasks may be limited.

In response to queries, both Warren Township Superintendent of Schools Tami Crader and Warren Township Education Association President Frances Blabolil said the teachers are ready for tomorrow's opening day.

The teachers have been working without a contract since June 2010. After the two sides were able to agree to new terms, a state-appointed fact finder reviewed the offers. A second meeting has been scheduled for October, after which report from the fact finder—which can either prompt a settlement or impose one—would follow.

"I...know that we have a highly professional staff who will do their best to prepare a welcoming, organized classroom for our students," Dr. Crader said. "During my welcome back comments to the entire district's staff yesterday, I urged teachers to trust in the negotiations process, to allow those who are negotiating to do that work and to allow the rest of us to continue to provide the high quality education we normally provide for our children."

Blabolil noted that without a settlement, the teachers "have incurred a substanial loss in salary due to the lack of a new contract, and subsequent changes to their contribution levels of health benefits imposed by the governor and legislature." She added the WTEA members and some parents were surprised that a settlement could not reached after the school budget passed, and members were "incredulous" that additional state aid received by the district was applied to lower taxes rather than settle the contract.

"We will continue to be committed to providing an excellent education to the students in Warren, but this will be accomplished during our regular work day," she said. "We will be working to rule until the contract is settled."

Blabolil said the teachers will "prioritize their day in order to make sure that the most critical responsiblities are done during the school day."

Dr. Crader, responding just after a morning session at the middle school for new students, where she said "teachers and students were engaged and enthusiastic," noted the contract situation will "be resolved" and both sides will move on once it is.

Editor's note: This article was edited to clarify the sequence of meetings with the fact finder, and to add the date of the next meeting.