Shaler Area School District could furlough 30 teachers

SHALER TOWNSHIP, Pa. — School board members in the Shaler Area School District will meet Wednesday night to discuss the possibility of furloughing of 30 teachers.

Although administrators and the teachers’ union are still working on restructuring, some teachers in the district are saying that news about the furlough was not delivered properly.

“The association and the district are working very closely to solve the problem and to make sure everybody's rights are protected,” Matt Edgell, the teachers’ union representative, said.

A decision on whether the 30 teachers will temporarily be without jobs is expected on May 18.

Edgell said teachers have a contract until 2021, but that does not mean that the district can’t furlough staff.

“The simple act of furloughing, not how it's done, but the simple act of furloughing is permissible under certain circumstances by the state,” he said.

However, Channel 11 News obtained documents that have caused many teachers to become upset with how the situation is being handled.

An email to furloughed teachers was sent by the superintendent and went to one teacher who is not being furloughed, but has the same last name as one who is affected. Also, a list of meetings of possible furlough discussions had the names of teachers spelled incorrectly.

Cox Media Group