School Board President 'Disappointed' Over Education Association Letter

Teachers in Radnor Township reportedly told seniors they would not write college recommendation letters until a contract dispute between the Radnor Township Education Association and the district is resolved.

The teacher’s contract expired on Aug. 31.

The Radnor Township Education Association sent a letter to seniors saying they would not write recommendation letters until Oct. 1, when they expect the negotiations to be resolved, the Philadelphia Inquirer reported.

In a letter on the district’s website, Radnor Township School District Board President said the board was “surprised and disappointed” the teachers informed the students they would not prepare recommendation letters this month.

Kimm Doherty, board president, said the board remains ”dedicated to keep the negotiations from having a negative impact on our students.

Here is the full letter from Doherty, posted to the district’s website.

Dear Parents of Radnor High School Seniors,

Within the past week, you have likely received a letter from the Radnor Township Education Association (RTEA) concerning college recommendation letters. School board members were surprised and disappointed by this action given that negotiations with our teachers regarding their contract are ongoing. In fact, the most recent meeting occurred on August 27, 2015, and we expect the next meeting to occur within the next two weeks. School board members and administration were not aware this letter was being sent, and we remain dedicated to keeping the negotiations from having a negative impact on our students.

The District believed and continues to believe that the negotiations process is progressing. We intend to negotiate with the teachers in an amicable and professional manner until an agreement that is fair and equitable to both the teachers and the taxpayers is reached. Until such time as a new contract is agreed upon, the teachers will continue to receive the same salary and benefits they received before the contract expired on August 31, 2015.While we hope you understand that we are unable to discuss details of these negotiations at this time, please know we are resolute in ensuring the needs of all of our students are met during this process. We are also committed to keeping parents and community members informed of our progress as we move forward.

Thank you.

Sincerely,

Kimm Doherty
RTSD Board President