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Pocono News Section
Classes Cancelled for Northwest Area School District
Classes Cancelled for Northwest Area School District - Monday, March 31, 2008 at 5:38PM EST
Reported by: Eric Deabill
Monday, Mar 31, 2008 @05:38pm EST
UNION TOWNSHIP, LUZERNE COUNTY - Classes are cancelled Tuesday in the Northwest Area School District as teachers prepare to hit the picket lines. More than 100 teachers are scheduled to go on strike because of an ongoing labor dispute.
Matt Gruenloh, who represents the teacher's union, says healthcare costs and salary increases are the main stumbling blocks.
"Teachers are not being treated fairly in that district. They're not being respected for the job they do," Gruenloh said.
Superintendent Nancy Tkatch was originally hopeful that the stalemate would have been settled over the weekend. She now admits the mood in the district is tense.
"I think you're almost forced into a mood like that, because at this point, the teachers have to do what they have to do and the board has to stake out a position in this particular situation and they have their constituents to worry about," Tkatch said.
Right now, there are 102 teachers in the district. They have been working without a contract since August 2005. Many parents in the district are frustrated with the stalemate.
"I just wish the stubbornness by both parties would settle. The system is broke in Harrisburg and the kids are being used as pawns in the whole thing," parent Al Grzech said.
"I love the kids. It's a great school. It has good teachers, dedicated teachers and I hate to see the negativity that's flying around," substitute teacher Donna Goobic said.
The big question that remains unanswered is, how long will the strike last?
"We don't have a clear, concise number from the Department of Education. Right now, we believe it to be two days, but that has not yet been confirmed," Tkatch said.
"Teachers never want to go on strike. They always want to use it as a last option, but that is where we are at right now," Gruenloh said.
School District officials say all non-public transportation will continue as scheduled despite the walkout.
For the latest information, you can call the district cancellation line at 542-4126, x6001 or log onto the district's website at www.northwest.k12.pa.us
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