Union Backs School Grant

January 14, 2010

The Bethlehem Area School District’s teachers union broke ranks with Easton and Phillipsburg to support its district’s application to compete for millions in federal education grant money.

The Bethlehem Area School District could see anywhere from $3 million to $8 million if Pennsylvania is selected as a recipient for the maximum amount of Race to the Top grant money.

Teachers unions are concerned that the grant money ties teacher salaries with student test scores. Bethlehem Education Association President Jolene Vitalos said the membership is willing to put that worry aside, at least for now.

&We are obviously in need of some financial help here in Bethlehem, and this is a possibility there could be additional income,& Vitalos said Tuesday. &There is no harm to say we are willing to bargain in good faith.&

Pennsylvania Department of Education officials say a district’s application needs union, administrative and school board support to be valid.

The program will distribute $4.35 billion among 10 to 15 states over four years. Pennsylvania is competing for $200 million to $400 million in grant funds. When school districts apply for a share of the money, they increase the likelihood of that state receiving the maximum amount of funds.

The Easton Area Educati on Association does not support the district’s application, said Kevin Deely, Easton Area Education Association president. He said it would cost more to implement and maintain than the district would receive.

The Phillipsburg School Board has applied for the grant funds without the support of its union, which said it was advised by the New Jersey Education Association to not sign the application.

Vitalos understands why a small district such as Saucon Valley didn’t apply. For Saucon, the application is more trouble than it’s worth, she said.

The U.S. Department of Education should announce the states eligible for the grant funds by April.