STATEMENT FOR SCHOOL BOARD MEETING
October 11, 2004
As you are aware, the last negotiation session between the Great Valley School Board Negotiation Team and its teachers union occurred on October 5. Eager to move talks forward, the School Board took the initiative and directed our chief negotiator to contact the mediator on Thursday to schedule another session since both parties are so close.
On Friday, Dr. Jones received an advanced unofficial notice that teachers of the Great Valley School District are planning to strike starting Monday morning, October 18. Also on Friday, we were notified that the mediator had scheduled a negotiations session for Tuesday, October 12.
We are very close to reaching an agreement and it is our true sense that the union’s contemplation of a work stoppage is premature and unwarranted.
Regardless of this, the school district is taking proactive steps to finalize its strike contingency plan. This plan will be communicated to the public via press releases and our website following Tuesday night’s session should our talks fail to produce a resolution. Please visit www.gvsd.org Wednesday for an update and further information.
There have been questions from parents and students concerning the continuation of athletics in the event of a strike. The Board intends to continue athletics at both the HS and MS and will be so notifying the coaches on Tuesday.
It is our sincere hope that this strike contingency plan will not be needed and that student learning will not be disrupted by a GVEA strike.
10/11/04