ATHENS TOWNSHIP -- Teachers in Athens Area School District went on strike Monday, joining Sayre Area teachers who went on strike last week.
“I think it’s a shame that the teachers association is doing what they’re doing. I just think the teachers, they don’t understand the reality of the world,” said Joe Regan, who lives in Bradford County.
Classes in the district are canceled after talks broke down between teachers and district officials.
According to the Athens Area Education Association Facebook page, teachers have lots of support from the community and in addition, teachers will be providing bagged lunches to students at several locations during the strike.
“They can’t talk about it because every time we ask about it, they say, ‘We can’t talk about it,’ and go on with their day. It’s cutting off our summer. I mean, it’s already, I don’t know, it’s already messed up as it is,” said high school junior Jordan Comstock.
Athens Area is the second Bradford County school district on strike, after nearby Sayre Area went on strike last week.
Teachers in both districts have been without contracts for three years.
“I think they should have a contract. My summer’s going to be probably ruined because I don’t go to school. I’m going to have to make up days,” said John Hanna of Athens Township.
According to the state Department of Education, the strike in Athens Area cannot go beyond Tuesday, April 26. Classes have to resume by Wednesday April 27.
“I feel sorry for the kids, missing all this school. They’re going to go until the end of June. They can’t go past June,” said Jerry Cain of Athens Township.
