Shikellamy teachers union says 68 percent consider looking for new jobs, will host rally on May 7
May 2—SUNBURY — More than 95 percent of Shikellamy School District teachers do not feel valued by the school board and 68 percent said they are considering applying for other jobs, according to a spokesperson for the teacher's union.
The teachers' union will host an informational rally at 6:15 p.m. on Tuesday at the high school, ahead of a Shikellamy work session meeting, according to Jessica Sabol, of the Northeastern Region Advocacy Coordinator.
The current Collective Bargaining Agreement expires on June 30, according to Sabol.
According to Shikellamy Education Association member Michael Becker, the union surveyed teachers to gauge their concerns.
"We took a poll on the teachers and 68 percent of us are open to looking at other districts," he said. "We also had 98 percent say they were unhappy with conditions and present state. We want to attract and retain the teachers we have, and we want a positive, attractive contract to get some new young teachers."
Becker said it has been difficult to schedule times with district Solicitor Mike Levin for negotiations, and that the group has met only twice.
"I wish they were more positive meetings," he said. "We want to hold the rally and to get the community on board. We aren't trying to be negative, but we want people to know what is happening."
Members of the Shikellamy Education Association will be displaying informational signs for the community and literature will be distributed, according to Sabol.
Director Tom Webb, who is on the negotiation committee, said the board and committee has had very little input.
"Some of the board members haven't been informed of anything going on in the negotiations," he said. "Being a newly-elected board member, I can totally understand what the employees and union are saying about administration and the board. However, I will work tirelessly to come to a fair agreement for both parties because as a member of our community, I truly understand how valuable every single one of our entire facility is to our children and district. These are the people who mold the future of our society."
Webb is joined by directors Lori Garman and Slade Shreck on the negotiation committee.
School director Jenna Eister-Whitaker said she was saddened to hear the teachers felt unappreciated.
"It is disheartening to hear this," she said. "I am not on the negotiation team and not aware of the issues going on but again, it's hard to be included in a comment about the board when we are not part of the negotiations and not made aware of anything going on at this time, so it makes it hard when you want to be part of a solution."
Sabol said the union is working to secure a fair, reasonable, and affordable contract that will ensure Shikellamy remains competitive with surrounding school districts. According to PSEA, Shikellamy's starting teacher salary is $48,500.
"Considering the ongoing statewide teacher shortage, the Shikellamy School Board should be doing whatever it can to attract and retain highly qualified professionals to the Shikellamy School District," Sabol said.
The board meets at 7 p.m. Tuesday for its regular monthly work session, which will be held inside the high school.
