Major Development In Methacton Teachers Strike

EAGLEVILLE, PA — The Methacton School District and teachers announced a major development in their ongoing contract negotiations on Wednesday evening, as the two sides agreed to enter into a non-binding arbitration to resolve their differences.

The arbitration means that the strike has ended, and that students will return to school on Friday, Sept. 22, the school district said.

The teachers, represented by the Methacton Education Association, have been negotiating with the district since January for better salaries and an improved benefits structure. The strike began on Monday and shut down the district for three days.

The district is closed on Thursday for a school holiday so the next day of scheduled classes, for grades 7-12, is Friday.

The arbitration period allows teachers and students to return to school while the two sides continue to seek out a mutually beneficial agreement.

“We chose this option to strategically move us in the right direction towards a settlement that addresses our priorities.” said Diana Kernop, MEA Co-President. She added “I feel the School Board’s desire to enter this process long before the strike’s maximum duration gives insight into the dynamics of the Board, reflects the unity and strength of our members and the groundswell of community support MEA has received.”

Had the route of arbitration not been taken, teachers could have continued to strike until Oct. 11.

The board presented the offer of non-binding arbitration during the public school directors board meeting at Arcola Intermediate School on Tuesday night.

This is a breaking story. More information will be provided as it becomes available.

Patch file photo