Teachers, parents and union urge board to return to bargaining as contract talks stall
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Summary
Multiple teachers, union leaders and parents urged the Haverford Township School Board to resume in-person bargaining and reach a fair contract as public comments at the Oct. 23 meeting voiced frustration and warned of further action if negotiations do not progress.
Haverford Township School Board members heard more than a dozen public comments Oct. 23 urging the board and the Haverford Township Education Association (HTEA) to return to face-to-face bargaining and reach a contract settlement.
The pleas came from union leaders, classroom teachers and parents who said educators have continued to serve students despite what speakers described as incomplete progress at the bargaining table. "The time to finish bargaining is now," said Adam Nankara, who identified himself as president of the Haverford Township Education Association.
The speakers' comments followed a statement from the board that its negotiating team has been "working diligently through the negotiation process" and that both sides remain at the table. The board reiterated its stated goal of reaching a contract settlement that balances competitive pay and the district's fiscal constraints.
Why it matters: Teachers and other staff make up the largest recurring portion of the district budget, and educators and residents said the outcome of bargaining affects recruitment and retention, classroom programs and long-term community confidence.
Speakers at the meeting described both the personal and professional stakes. "Our educators have shown tremendous patience and unwavering commitment," Nankara told the board. "But the sense of anger and disappointment among our membership has become pronounced." Kristen Luxhire, who identified herself as a teacher and a parent, said her union had already reduced its proposal by roughly $3 million while the district’s offer increased by less than $1 million since August. "That is compromise," she said.
Several parents urged the board to conclude negotiations quickly. "When our kids look back on school, they remember teachers, not smart boards," said parent Katie Mummy. Ben Bedard, a resident and longtime parent, said teachers are the reason the district attracts families and that the board should avoid actions that would make teaching in Haverford a short-term job.
Board response and status: Earlier in the meeting a board member identified as Dr. King said the board values teachers and wants to reach an agreement that "helps us to retain and attract an excellent and strong teaching staff," while also noting the district's reliance on local property taxes and the need to plan for operations and facilities. The board said it had offered a salary and benefits package it considered at or near the district's fiscal limits and that negotiators remain in communication with the union.
No formal contract vote or board action on the bargaining proposals occurred at the meeting; the board's statement described ongoing negotiations and a desire to continue talks.
What happened next: Public commenters left without a board vote on bargaining; the district and the union continued to negotiate according to board remarks.
Ending: Speakers included union leaders, classroom teachers and several parents and residents; the board reiterated its intent to continue negotiations. The parties did not announce a new bargaining session date at the meeting.
