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Chester Upland Teachers And Support Staff Vote To Work Without Pay

CHESTER, Pa. (CBS) -- Unionized teachers in the Chester Upland school district will go back to work next week, without an expectation that they'll be paid, at least in the short term.

The decision came after it was learned that the district would not be able to meet payroll on September 9.

"We appreciate the unions' willingness to work with us in this difficult time," Superintendent Gregory Shannon said.

A similar pledge came during a money shortfall three years ago, but teachers never lost a paycheck. This time, Michele Paulick, President of the Chester Upland Education Association, suggests it could be different.

 

Students admit they are concerned about the district's future.

"What's going to happen to us if we don't start school?" a female student asked.

A state law requires Chester to continue to pay charter schools in the area, that educate about half of the student population, around $64 million using the state formula. However, the district cannot pay that and every day operating costs.

"It's an incredibly stressful and difficult situation," says Paulick says. "It's something we kind of have to do because they deserve it."

She adds, "We just want to do what's right and give the kids what they deserve."

A sophomore, Danae Johnson says, "It shows they care about us. They want us to be able to be something when we grow up."

The union is blaming elected officials in Harrisburg for the current situation and is urging them to come up with a solution in short order.

Pennsylvania still doesn't have a budget, but Paulick insists her 200 members are committed to the 3800 kids they teach.

Each individual member's in their own financial situation," Paulick says. "And we will stay as long as we are financially able individually."

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