Keystone Oaks Facing Tax Hikes As Possible Teachers Strike Looms

DORMONT, PA — As a mediator met with Keystone Oaks school directors and the district education association Thursday in attempt to avert a possible teachers strike on Feb. 1, the district warned of substantial tax hikes even if teachers agree to the district's current proposal.

Taxes for the average homeowner would increase approximate three percent each year for the next five years under the proposal. Also, the district fund balance essentially would be exhausted by the end of the 2022-23 school year.

“Over the past several days, we have received calls and emails from families expressing their support for our teachers and the work they have done this year - and we couldn’t agree more,” said school board president Theresa Lydon said Thursday. “We would love to be able to reward our teachers, nurses, and counselors financially for all of their hard work; however, we don’t have a blank check and we have to be fiscally responsible in our decision making.”

The district said its most recent proposal includes the following:

• A five year contract, effective July 1, 2020 through June 30, 2025.
• Proposed salaries over the five-year agreement:
  • 2020-2021: Keystone Oaks Education Members would receive a pay freeze for the first six months of the school year, but would receive a salary increase on March 1, 2021.
  • 2021-2022: Salaries increase by 3.75 percent.
  • 2022-2023: Salaries increase by 2.95 percent.
  • 2023-2024: Salaries increase by 4.56 percent.
  • 2024-2025: Salaries increase by 5.17 percent.

Be the first to know what's happening in your town and area. Sign up to get Patch emails and don't miss a minute of local and state news: https://patch.com/subscribe