Local Teachers Make Concessions To Save Jobs, Programs

MURRYSVILLE (KDKA) -- Local school districts are being hit hard by Gov. Tom Corbett's proposed budget cuts.

But rather than talking about what might happen, teachers in the Franklin Regional School District in Murrysville are doing something about it by making personal sacrifices.

As they packed up their classrooms for the school year, the district's 264 teachers leave knowing they have made a difference to the 3,700 students enrolled there.

"Just to sit around and see our programs disintegrate could not be done, and the second reason, our teachers are going to lose their jobs," said Dom Colangelo, the president of FREA.

Gov. Corbett wants to eliminate nearly $550 million in basic public education funding and he stands firmly behind those proposed cuts.

Franklin Regional is set to lose $1.2 million if the governor has his say, but teachers there have done the math and have a plan.

"In the first year, we are paying $125 more in health care. In the second year, we are staying on the same salary scale," said Dr. Emery D'Arcangelo, the superintendent. "The net effect is that each teacher will give $6,000 over the next three years.

Actually, the district is coming out ahead.

"We are fortunate to have $1.6 million in concessions," Dr. D'Arcangelo added.

The school has approved the deal and the concessions go into effect at the beginning of the fall school year.

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