Back to school

After nearly five weeks of striking, the Seneca Valley teachers are set to go back to school tomorrow without a contract. Though no resolution was achieved, state law is forcing them back to class. The Post-Gazette has a quick summary of the situation:

Teachers yesterday conducted a membership meeting aimed at encouraging a smooth resumption of classes, said Butch Santicola, spokesman for the Pennsylvania State Education Association.

"They're happy to be back, make no mistake about that," said Mr. Santicola. "Whether they're happy to be back without a contract is another question."

Although the contract dispute has not been resolved, state law requires the teachers to return to work in time for 180 days of instruction by June 15.

The state Department of Education computed that date as tomorrow, considering only the four state-mandated holidays: Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's Day and Memorial Day.

State law now requires both sides to submit to mandatory nonbinding arbitration. If that doesn't result in an agreement, the teachers could strike again, and the school year could run as late as June 30.

The school board will vote on a revised calendar at a special meeting at 7 p.m. Monday at the intermediate high school.