Co-President of WEA Expresses Disappointment Towards Wissahickon School Board

Editor's Note: This statement was read at the Monday night Wissahickon School Board meeting by Co-President of the Wissahickon Education Alliance, Joann Groark.

The Wissahickon Education Alliance has requested several time that the Board reconsider it rejection of the compromise report by a PA state mediator. Realizing that you have no intention of even considering such a request, I wanted to express my disappointment in the direction this Board has decided to take.

Disappointment with the refusal to meet the WEA halfway with a compromise. The WEA made concession. Why are you refusing? How much more of you want to take?

Disappointment with the hiring of a new negotiator that will undoubtedly bring more negative spin to the bargaining process as we as potential unrest to the district.

Disappointment that the Board has decided to threaten and intimidate their employees with privatization. You will sit here tonight and tell these people that they are of no value to you. That the years they have spent serving the children of this district are insignificant.

Disappointment as I have watched the relationship between the Board and its employees deteriorate due to personal and political agendas. While the last teacher's contract negotiations is still fresh in my mind, watching what is happening to the support staff is providing a very clear preview of what to expect when we being negotiating the teacher's contract in January.

Disappointment as I have seen administration recently tray attack my reputation by trying to discredit my leadership ability and discussing a contract extension directly with our members as if to say that I was not representing them properly. I have always maintained a professional and cooperative relationship with this administration and this latest action has caused me to rethink that relationship.

When and when this will end, I cannot say. The WEA has made concessions in an attempt to compromise. What concessions has the Board made? I am hard pressed to find any.

Joanne Groark, Co-President of WEA