Talks continue for contracts

Another round of negotiations on the expired Seneca Valley School District teachers contract is scheduled to begin at 4:30 p.m. today.

The contract between the district and its teachers expired June 30. The board has earmarked almost $1 million for salary increases, but a new contract does not appear to be on the horizon.

The two sides have been negotiating since January and last met June 7.

'There has been very little progress so far. Unfortunately, that is not uncommon this time of year,' said Art Fazio, a UniServ representative for the Pennsylvania State Education Association Midwestern Region, which represents the teachers. 'The major issues are salary, benefits and working conditions.'

The Midwestern Region covers Beaver, Butler, Clarion, Lawrence and Mercer counties.

Matthew Hoffman, the district's solicitor, said it is not unusual for contracts to expire before a new one is approved.

In 1995, the district approved a five-year contract that included a 4.3 percent average yearly raise.

Linda Andreassi, district spokeswoman, said the starting salary for a teacher is $32,950 and could reach as much as $66,000 depending on education and experience.

The average salary last year for a Seneca Valley teacher was $48,040, Fazio said. The statewide average salary for teachers was about $48,000.

The district's 2001-02 budget, which was approved June 25, allocates $927,992 for professional staff salary increases. The budget, which was passed without a millage increase for the fourth straight year, includes the addition of 22 teachers to cope with the district's growth.

Last year, Seneca Valley had 520 teachers in nine schools. Enrollment was about 7,400.

The first day of school for students is scheduled for Aug. 28.

The next school board meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. July 18 at the auditorium in Seneca Valley Intermediate High School, 126 Seneca School Road.

Other districts in Butler County with teacher contracts expiring this year include Butler Area and Mars Area. In Allegheny County, contracts expire this year in the Carlynton, Cornell, Fox Chapel Area and Pine-Richland districts.

Dominick DiRienzo can be reached at ddirienzo@tribweb.com or (724) 779-7124.