Steel Valley Classes Cancelled, Teachers Prepared To Strike

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- About 130 teachers, members of the Steel Valley Education Association, say they will be on the picket line Monday morning in the Steel Valley School District.

Word of the looming teacher's strike came late Friday after the teachers presented the school superintendent with a letter of intent, giving the district notice of the impending strike.

"This afternoon, the teachers delivered our intent to strike to the superintendent. We walked to the superintendent's office as a group," said Susan Salapa, of the Steel Valley Education Association.

Soon after that, the district posted a message on its website, canceling Monday classes, and telling parents there may be no school the rest of the week as well.

Carolyn Grzyb, whose son is a senior, said she was shocked by the strike news.

"It's very… shock. I didn't know anything was going on at the school and now we have to make plans to see what we have to do," she said.

Another parent, who didn't want to give his name, said he was angry after getting notice about school being cancelled when district officials sent him a message about 7:30 p.m. Friday.

A state mediator has called both sides together Saturday afternoon at the high school.

Teachers say they'll be at the bargaining table. No word on whether the district will be there.

Tech and career students are told to report to school as usual.

Stay with KDKA for more information.

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