SCOTT TOWNSHIP, Pa. — Teachers in the Chartiers Valley School District are caught in the middle of a financial crisis. Tuesday night, the school board voted to cut more than a dozen teachers to help close a big budget deficit.
The community is standing behind the teachers, who are bearing the brunt of a massive $9 million budget gap.
“If you want to act responsibly, you would have raised taxes last year and this year,” a parent said.
Another community member said, “Why would you offer a $60,000 increase in salary to a brand-new superintendent in relation to the old superintendent.”
In a 6-3 vote, the school board moved forward with cutting teachers throughout the district, including 11 at the high school.
“Residents and employees are not stupid,” a community member said. “The writing is on the wall with this board, and it always has been.”
A parent said, “The decision has already been made behind closed doors without any regard for the students, teachers or the community you were elected to serve.”
Superintendent Dr. Daniel Castagna argues the cuts are necessary to hold the line on taxes and said it would save the district $7.5 million.
“Yes, these are aggressive in relation to cuts but it has to happen,” Castagna said. “There is no other alternative.”
Walter Michalski with AFT Pennsylvania, a union representing the teachers, argued otherwise. The teacher’s union said at least 26 teachers are taking an early retirement incentive with health benefits.
“They have offered a retirement incentive,” Michalski said. “It’s a cooperative way to get either a younger teacher at a lower salary level, and there’s a savings there or if they don’t need to replace that teacher.”
Teachers and students say cuts will lead to overcrowded classrooms and less individualized attention.
“I feel that this school as a whole has taught me to be who I am and also accept new challenges and face adversity,” said high school senior Lascionna Payne.
Senior Maura Schuman, who sits on the superintendent’s advisory panel, fears their education is going to suffer.
“I have learned very valuable lessons from each of the staff members and I feel without these lessons, I wouldn’t be where I’m at today,” Schuman said.
Cuts will start at the end of this school year.
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