STATEMENT FROM GREAT VALLEY SCHOOL BOARD REGARDING TEACHER CONTRACT
NEGOTIATIONS, SEPT. 20, 2004
We know that these past few weeks have been very difficult for the entire Great Valley School District community. The stress and tension associated with negotiating a contract affects each of us, whether we serve on the School Board, teach in the district, have children in the district or pay taxes within the district.
Tonight, I ask my fellow Board members, our teachers and our residents to have patience as we continue this process. The fact that we have plans to meet frequently over the next three weeks is a positive sign. The Board Negotiating Team is prepared to work diligently at these sessions to achieve an agreement that works for teachers and the entire community.
We continue to have the highest respect for our professional staff, and want to maintain our positive relationship through this tense time. No one disputes the fact that our teachers are a critical and instrumental part of our school district, and we are determined to reach an agreement that recognizes their importance.
Negotiations is a give and take process. Both sides need to hear and understand each other’s needs and be willing to meet, talk through proposals and compromise. It is only with such compromise by both teams that we will bring closure to our talks.
We are encouraged that the association is continuing to meet with us, and we are eager to return to the table on Sept. 27, 29 and Oct. 5 for more discussions. It is our hope that at these sessions, the Association will come back to us with a counterproposal to which we can respond. With such a move, we are optimistic that the positive momentum will carry us through to an agreement that benefits the entire Great Valley School District.