North Penn teachers go out on strike

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.philly.com/inquirer/local/pa/20100419_North_Penn_teachers_go_out_on_strike.html

Posted on Mon, Apr. 19, 2010

By Sam Wood Inquirer Staff Writer

Classes in Montgomery County's largest school district have been canceled for Monday after negotiators failed Sunday to broker a contract agreement between the teachers union and the school board.

The walkout in the North Penn School District follows months of contentious talks, court actions, and severed negotiations.

The union and school board negotiated for seven hours Sunday at district offices in Lansdale. According to the district Web site, the board made its last proposal to the union about 7:45 p.m. At 8:50, the district issued an announcement that there would be no school Monday.

"The strike could run seven days if it goes its full duration," said Alan Malachowski, president of the North Penn Education Association, the union that represents the district's 1,070 teachers. "We're hopeful it can be shorter than that if we can get back to the table and continue bargaining."

The walkout cannot run longer because state law requires students to have 180 school days before June 30, Malachowski said.

Talks will resume Monday with a state mediator, said Vincent Sherpinsky, school board president.

FULL story at link.