SCRANTON -- It appears there's yet another teachers strike looming for yet another school district, this one in Lackawanna County.
Teachers in the Scranton School District are set to strike at 3:30 p.m. Friday and the district says during the strike, sports programs and after school activities will be suspended.
“My stepdaughter is a cheerleader and she's devastated so she told me today, that's why they're having the game tonight. If they can't have it for tomorrow,” said parent Thomas Gazoo.
Members of the West Scranton freshman football team say this interruption will set them back.
“We're undefeated, freshman year, and this is the year we're supposed to take away the title and this comes and we have to lose two games and come back and have to play our butts off again just to try to get our record back,” said Kyree Green.
“We might be out for three weeks and we might not be able to play our games and it's league play,” said Devon Cryk.
At Scranton High School, numerous practices were underway. Jim Griffiths is both a Scranton teacher and the coach for the cross-country team.
“I feel bad for the kids because they really deserve to play but you know, I'm trying to stick with the union and do what we think is best,” said Griffiths.
The Scranton Federation of Teachers says the district wants to cut both salaries and health care coverage, while raising the maximum classroom size to 35 students.
These young athletes say losing both school and sports will be tough.
“For the teachers going on strike and us getting out of school and not seeing them I feel we're missing academic work and all work that we're missing,” said seventh grader Elizabeth Logan.
“It's kind of upsetting because this is a great way to see friends after school and get a little exercise in,” said seventh grader Chloe Neuriter.
As of right now the Scranton High School Football game against Scranton Prep is still on for Friday night at 7 p.m., however the district says that could change.
