East Allegheny School District tells parents to prepare for strike

NORTH VERSAILLES, Pa. — As parents around the Channel 11 viewing area get ready for “back-to-school,” one local district is telling parents to get ready for a strike.

The East Allegheny School District said the local teachers’ union has told them they will strike at the start of the school year.

A letter was sent to all parents in the district telling them of the impending strike for the upcoming school year.

“It is frustrating because it should be about our kids,” said Melissa Snodgrass. “I know a lot of working moms and single moms. It’s really hard for them.”

Snodgrass said she has four children in the district, and the letter did not address her questions or concerns.

“I don’t know what the teachers want, but I think they need to come to a compromise because it’s stealing our kids’ time,” said Snodgrass.

The letter said the district doesn’t have enough money to meet the needs of the East Allegheny Education Association, stating, “Thus far, the association’s proposals would make the deficit larger and require substantial tax increases.”

Snodgrass said she supports the teachers, but not at the expense of her children’s education.

“They do have challenges that teachers in the past have not had. But at the same time, our kids are being robbed,” Snodgrass said.

The letter did say that district officials are hopeful an agreement can be reached by September.