School Board Response to LNP Request about Negotiations

On Thursday, Aug. 15, LNP reporter Ashley Stalnecker sent questions to the Hempfield School Board President, providing “an opportunity to offer the board’s perspective on an upcoming article (she) will be writing to update readers to the ongoing contract negotiations at Hempfield School District.” She shared she had already spoken with the HEA President. The Board met her Aug. 16 noon deadline with the following responses.

The message below is from the Hempfield School Board Directors.

As we begin a new school year, we understand there are concerns regarding the delay in approving the teacher contract. Our goal continues to be to provide a fair and equitable contract for our professional staff while balancing the many needs throughout the district.

As in past years, we remain committed to providing our teachers with the resources and support needed to begin the school year smoothly. This includes maintaining all existing benefits and conditions of employment until a new contract is settled. While we are disappointed the contract has not been finalized, we are actively engaging in discussions with the teachers' union to address outstanding issues.

The Board has provided publicly available, factual information about the collective bargaining agreement that ended on June 30, 2024.

Several factors could prevent a contract from being settled. However, the Board and HEA have mutually agreed not to share specifics about negotiations.

We appreciate the patience and understanding of our community as we work through these negotiations. 

In terms of your questions:

1. What is causing a continued delay in finalizing a contract? Could you provide an example for taxpayers on what is a typical factor in contract negotiations that cause a delay?

• Several factors could prevent a contract from being settled. However, the Board and HEA have mutually agreed not to share specifics about negotiations.

2. Why did the district post updates on the contract negotiations on its website?

• The Board has provided publicly available, factual information about the collective bargaining agreement that ended on June 30, 2024. The Board and HEA have mutually agreed not to share specifics about negotiations.

3. What is your response to community concerns regarding the delayed contract?

• As in past years, we remain committed to providing our teachers with the resources and support needed to begin the school year smoothly. This includes maintaining all existing benefits and conditions of employment until a new contract is settled. While we are disappointed the contract has not been finalized, we are actively engaging in discussions with the teachers' union to address outstanding issues.

4. How does the district plan to make adjustments to continue practices that teachers may no longer volunteer for if a "work to rule" is invoked by the HEA?

• We know our teachers will do what is needed for our students during their workday.

5. How would you describe the current relationship between district administration, the board and the union?

• The board and the administration are committed to working with HEA to deliver a high-quality education for all students.
• The relationship between the board and the union is challenged right now due to competing priorities and different viewpoints regarding the contract.

6. When do you anticipate that a contract will be finalized?

• We are hopeful the contract will be resolved as quickly as possible.

7. When the contract is finalized, will teachers be paid retroactively to compensate for any raise they would be entitled to in the 2024-25 school year according to the new contract?

• The Board and HEA have mutually agreed not to share specifics about negotiations.

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