• Teacher Contract Negotiations
    Frequently Asked Questions

  • When did teacher contract negotiations begin and what has happened so far throughout the process?

    Posted by:
    By law teacher contract negotiatins must begin on a specific timeline which was followed by the District and Association. Formal negotiations began in January 2010. A mediator appointed by the State was a part of the negotiation process and he created a proposal shortly before Labor Day. This proposal was presented to the school board who rejected the proposal and the Association membership which approved the proposal. Immediately following the School Board's rejection, the Association requested the appointment of an independent fact-finder. This fact-finder heard testimony from both sides and presented her recommendations on November 29th, 2010. This report was accepted by the Association but rejected by the School Board. A second vote is required by law and the Association again voted to approve the fact-finder report. The School Board will vote for the second time on December 20th, 2010.
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  • How much notice will parents receive if the teachers decide to strike and if they do strike, how wil

    Posted by:
    The Association must give the District 48 hours notice before striking and the District will immediately notify parents and the community using all available means of communication including the local media, our website, and our instant notification system. Act 88 does not provide a specific timeframe for notice to be given by the teachers of their intent to end the strike and return to work. However, any such notice must be reasonable to permit the District to notify parents and other school personnel to be able to provide the necessary transportation, food service and custodial services. As soon as the District receives notice from the teachers that they will be returning to work, immediate action will be taken to notify parents and school personnel. This information will be found on the CASD Website and will also be sent via Instant Notification System.
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  • Do teachers have the right to strike in Pennsylvania?

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    In Pennsylvania, teachers legally have the right to strike.
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  • What laws govern a teachers’ strike?

    Posted by:
    The primary law governing a teachers strike is known as Act 88, which is contained in the School Code and governs the scope of negotiations, procedures for when negotiations reach an impasse,procedures for strikes and lockouts, the role of the Pennsylvania Secretary of Education in negotiations and certain strike activities which are prohibited.

    To learn more about Act 88, go to the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) website located at:

    http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt?open=514&objID=552940&mode=2
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  • How will the school calendar be impacted by a strike?

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    The number of days that a strike can last is ultimately up to the Pennsylvania Department of Education. State law allows for 180 days of instruction by June 15, for an initial strike and it is the PDE’s responsibility to determine how many days will need to be made up in the calendar. The District will then look at the school calendar and develop a new calendar with the possibilities of using Staff Development days, holiday breaks and summer vacation days to make up for the strike days. By law, days the District cannot use as school days are Saturdays, Sundays, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day. The District has very intention of providing as much education to as many of our students as possible regardless of a teacher strike.
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  • What will happen if the teachers stay on strike the maximum days as determined by the Pennsylvania D

    Posted by:
    If the teachers strike the maximum days allowed by PDE, which would provide 180 days of instruction by June 15, 2010, the District and teachers would by law be required to participate in Final Best Offer Arbitration, a process that is expected to take 45 days. The arbitration requires both parties to provide their final best offer with supporting documentation to a panel of three arbitrators. The panel will then select the Fact-Finder’s recommendation, the District’s offer, or the teachers’ offer. If the decision is rejected by either group within the timeline, the recommendation is non-binding. A work stoppage is not permissible during the arbitration period.
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  • What will happen to my child who attends Franklin County Career & Technical Center or the Franklin L

    Posted by:
    All CASD students who attend FCCTC and the FLC will continue to attend. Transportation will continue for students who attend non-public and special education schools, as well as for those students who attend Franklin County Career & Technical Center and the FLC. Families will be contacted with specific information once the transportation details have been finalized.
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  • During a strike, can the teachers be fired and replaced with other teachers?

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    No, during a strike, teachers cannot be fired and replaced with other teachers. In addition, the District may only utilize individuals who have worked in the District during the prior twelve months.
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  • Will the District continue to hold athletic events if the teachers decide to strike?

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    All varsity, JV, and middle school sports programs will continue as scheduled. Each coach will communicate specific guidelines for the players of his or her team.
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  • Will the Chambersburg Area School District Central Administration Office be open during a strike?

    Posted by:
    Yes, the Chambersburg Area Central Administration Office will remain open during the work stoppage.
    Business hours for the Administrative Office, are from 8:00 A.M. – 4:30 P.M.,
    Monday through Friday.
    The District telephone number is 717-263-9281.
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  • Can the public cross a picket line?

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    Although teachers are permitted to picket the entrances to school
    facilities, they may not blockade or prevent anyone from entering onto
    school property.
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