Philadelphia Teachers OK Strike; Walkout Could Begin Friday

The nation’s sixth-largest school district is bracing for a strike as early as Friday after Philadelphia teachers authorized what would be their first walkout in 19 years.

Union president Ted Kirsch did not immediately call a strike, and classes were still scheduled to begin Thursday for the district’s 205,000 students and 256 schools.

However, the unanimous vote Tuesday by the rank-and-file of the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers means its 21,000 members could walk off the job once the union gives 48 hours’ notice as required under state law.

“No one wants this strike,” teacher Cynthia Acquarole said. “It breaks my heart that education will not continue in this city as it has in the past.”

Contract talks continued Tuesday.

The union has rejected district proposals to extend the school day and the school year, increase co-payments for health insurance, base pay on performance rather than experience and level of education, and give principals more say in teacher job assignments.

The union, which says its teachers earned between $28,600 and $57,200 in 1997-98, the most recent figures available, want smaller classes, stronger early childhood education, a new reading program and tighter school security.

Pedro Ramos, president of Philadelphia’s school board, said school officials have made plans to cancel classes if the union moves forward with a strike.

“Obviously we’re disappointed that we have not been able to get a definitive agreement,” he said.