No negotiations are currently scheduled.

AUGUST 2012 UPDATE

The District was notified on August 28, 2012 by the Bethel Park Federation of Teachers that they “are ready to return to our schools and students.” In an August 29 Press Release from the BPFT, President Diann Smith states that the Federation is willing to “work under the terms of the 2005-2010 collective bargaining agreement while we continue to negotiate in good faith to reach a contract that builds on the excellent educational opportunities we offer students while respecting the dedication and hard work of students and staff.” She also said, “the union is committed to the bargaining process as the best avenue to reach agreement.”

The Bethel Park School District shares that commitment to bring the negotiations process to a favorable conclusion for all parties, and is pleased that the professional staff is returning to school with a renewed commitment to our students, to provide the best educational programs possible.

NEGOTIATIONS OVERVIEW
During the 2010-2011 school year the Bethel Park Federation of Teachers went on a six week strike from October 25 through December 5, 2010.  Pennsylvania Act 88 required the teachers to return to the classroom beginning December 6 and upon their return to the classroom, Act 88 required the District and Federation to participate in Final Best Offer (FBO) non-binding arbitration.  The FBO Arbitration Panel issued their decision on July 19, 2011, which was rejected by both the Federation and the District.

Since that time, the District and Teachers met for 15 negotiation sessions, with minimal progress being made.  Although there has been some minimal progress on language issues, in this unprecedented economic time for education in Pennsylvania, when the Governor, Legislature and the Department of Education are asking all school districts—not just Bethel Park—to reign in costs, we are still apart in our discussion of the economic issues.

After the March 15, 2012 negotiating session, the Teachers filed a Request for Appointment of Fact-Finding Panel with the Pennsylvania Labor Relations Board (PLRB).  As with FBO Arbitration, fact-finding is non-binding on the parties.  The PLRB appointed a Fact-Finder on March 20, 2012. 

Both parties submitted unresolved issues to the Fact Finder and a hearing was held on April 19, 2012 to allow both parties to present information for consideration by the Fact Finder.
 
The Fact Finder filed the Fact Finder’s Report and Recommendations on April 30, 2012, which in accordance with the applicable law, was to remain confidential for a period of 10 days from the date of the Report.
 
During that time, both the District and Federation were to consider the Report and either accept or reject the Report.  Both sides rejected the Report on May 10.

The Pennsylvania Labor Relations Board made the Fact Finding Report public by publishing it on its website.  Please click on the link below to read the report.


The Negotiations Process impacts the Budget Process.  Neither can be done independently.  Throughout the Budget Process, the District continues to look for ways to reduce operating expenses.  For example, the move to the new high school and the elimination and realignment of several administrative and classified positions has saved the District more than $400,000 in wages and benefits.

All of these changes are made to reduce costs and at the same time, meet the instructional needs of our students and fulfill the requirements of the Pennsylvania Department of Education.

The Bethel Park School District remains committed to bringing an equitable resolution to the Negotiations Process and at the same time, living within the new financial constraints imposed on all Pennsylvania school districts by the Governor, Legislature and Department of Education.  Our goal is to keep the educational programs of the Bethel Park School District moving forward.

PREVIOUS NEGOTIATION SESSIONS:

April 1, 7 and 30, 2010
May 6, 12 and 21, 2010
June 10, 2010
July 22 and 29, 2010
August 16 and 30, 2010
September 9, 2010
October 1, 6, 7, 11, 15, 18, 20, 21, 22 and 29, 2010
November 5, 10, 15, 18, 22 and 23, 2010
December 2, 3, 8 and 16, 2010
January 24, 2011
IN NON-BINDING FINAL BEST OFFER ARBITRATION THROUGH JULY 2011
August 31, 2011
September 14 and 21, 2011
November 2, 14 and 22, 2011
December 12, 2011
January 9 and 30, 2012
March 8, 2012
IN NON-BINDING FACT FINDING THROUGH MAY 2012
June 22, 2012
July 25, 2012
August 6, 10, 14, 23 and 28, 2012
September 13 and 26, 2012
October 9 and 30, 2012
November 7, 2012
January 9, 2013
February 7, 2013 (Mediation Session)
February 13, 2013 (Mediation Session)
April 17, 2013