Philadelphia School Principals Demand New Contract, But Avoid Strike Threat
In a tense meeting with the school district officials, principals from the Philadelphia School District have stepped up pressure to secure a new contract. However, instead of issuing a strike threat, they chose to keep their cards close to their chest.
The Principals Association is seeking better pay and addressing growing health premiums. The union's bargaining team has presented counter-proposals but was met with resistance from the district's negotiators, according to CASA President Robin Cooper. Cooper described the negotiations as "one-sided" and emphasized that the union must fight for its members' needs.
"We have to fight our own district to properly support our needs," Cooper said, stopping short of calling a strike. The association has maintained that it will not engage in any work stoppage or refusal to perform normal duties, as per their prior contract.
The superintendent, Tony Watlington, expressed optimism about reaching a deal soon and acknowledged the union's commitment to the schools. However, some community members are advocating for the district to reconsider its plan to close public schools, citing enrollment challenges that require support rather than closure.
District officials have announced plans to close certain schools and repurpose their buildings, but they will not release a draft of the plan until after the deadline for a survey. The survey aims to gather feedback from parents on how to better utilize school space, reduce unnecessary transitions, reinvest in neighborhood high schools, and expand access to selective-admission schools.
Meanwhile, school security contracts were approved, including funding for student-run "youth court" programs, walkthrough weapons detection devices, and state-mandated security assessments. The district plans to add new program sites and implement safety measures at various schools by the end of the 2025-26 school year.
The Principals Association's stance on a strike is seen as a deliberate choice to avoid confrontation, but also raises questions about their ability to effectively negotiate for better working conditions and resources for students.
In a tense meeting with the school district officials, principals from the Philadelphia School District have stepped up pressure to secure a new contract. However, instead of issuing a strike threat, they chose to keep their cards close to their chest.
The Principals Association is seeking better pay and addressing growing health premiums. The union's bargaining team has presented counter-proposals but was met with resistance from the district's negotiators, according to CASA President Robin Cooper. Cooper described the negotiations as "one-sided" and emphasized that the union must fight for its members' needs.
"We have to fight our own district to properly support our needs," Cooper said, stopping short of calling a strike. The association has maintained that it will not engage in any work stoppage or refusal to perform normal duties, as per their prior contract.
The superintendent, Tony Watlington, expressed optimism about reaching a deal soon and acknowledged the union's commitment to the schools. However, some community members are advocating for the district to reconsider its plan to close public schools, citing enrollment challenges that require support rather than closure.
District officials have announced plans to close certain schools and repurpose their buildings, but they will not release a draft of the plan until after the deadline for a survey. The survey aims to gather feedback from parents on how to better utilize school space, reduce unnecessary transitions, reinvest in neighborhood high schools, and expand access to selective-admission schools.
Meanwhile, school security contracts were approved, including funding for student-run "youth court" programs, walkthrough weapons detection devices, and state-mandated security assessments. The district plans to add new program sites and implement safety measures at various schools by the end of the 2025-26 school year.
The Principals Association's stance on a strike is seen as a deliberate choice to avoid confrontation, but also raises questions about their ability to effectively negotiate for better working conditions and resources for students.
I'm not surprised that the principals are keepin' it chill on the strike threat front 
. Those negotiations with the district can get pretty intense 
️, especially when it comes down to funding and support for schools. It's all about striking a balance between doin' what's best for the students & the teachers 
. I'm curious to see how this whole situation plays out 
, but one thing's for sure – it's gonna be an interesting ride! 
. I mean, principals are gettin paid like pennies compared to teachers and still have to deal with all the drama of the schools. Its not like they can just chill at home 
. They gotta fight for their rights too 
. But at the same time, idk if a strike would help or hurt things... maybe its better off avoidin it? 
, which is weird considering they need better pay and health insurance. It's all very passive-aggressive 
. Meanwhile, the superintendent seems pretty optimistic, but what's up with closing schools? That's gonna affect so many families 
. I hope they can figure out a way to support the schools without scaring parents off. We should be focusing on mental health and wellness for our kids, not closing doors on them 
.
. And now they're planning to close schools? That just doesn't add up 
. I think the community should be speaking out more about this, especially since it affects so many families 
. The fact that they're not willing to negotiate and compromise is concerning 
. It's like they're trying to strong-arm the union into accepting whatever deal they offer 
. I'd want some transparency on their plans for closing schools too – what about all those kids who are already struggling? 
The fact that they won't release a draft of the plan until after the survey is due out doesn't sit right with me either...
.
. I mean, don't get me wrong, principals do have a lot on their plates, but can't they just negotiate for better pay and benefits without being all cryptic about it? 
. I wish they could find some middle ground that benefits everyone involved... like maybe exploring ways to increase funding for schools without having to close them altogether 
. I get it, you don't wanna rock the boat, but at the same time, their members are working hard to support all those students... it's like they're getting left behind 
.
. The fact that parents aren't even gonna get a look at the plan until after the survey deadline? That's just shady 
... but let's not forget about the principals themselves 
.
. They're trying to improve the schools but now they're just keeping everything under wraps? Like, what's really going on in those meetings? The superintendent says there's optimism about reaching a deal soon, but I'm not buying it 
.
. They're just trying to support their students and staff, but the district is stonewalling them.
.
. And don't even get me started on the youth court programs - isn't that just another way for the system to profit off our kids? 
It's like we're just trying to patch up the same old problems instead of actually addressing the root issues. 
.
. But instead, they're just kind of... meh 
!
. On a more serious note, I feel bad for those students who might lose their schools... let's hope the community comes together to support them 
