10.22.09 We are pleased that negotiators have reached tentative agreement on the terms of a new contract for teachers at Paul VI (Haddon Twp.), Sacred Heart (Vineland), Holy Spirit (Absecon) and Camden Catholic (Cherry Hill).
The three schools affected by the job action this week (Paul VI, Camden Catholic, Holy Spirit) will be closed on Friday, October 23, 2009 for ratification meetings (Sacred Heart High School will be in session). We look forward to ratification of the tentative agreement by teachers Friday and, upon ratification, the return of teachers to the classroom on Monday, October 26. No details on the tentative agreement will be released until after ratification.
The schools and their negotiators have been committed to a new contract that is fair and just for teachers and recognizes their great contribution to the education and formation of students. They also have been working for an agreement that is cognizant of economic conditions and the need to ensure that tuition remains affordable for families who want a high-quality Catholic high school education for their children. The tentative agreement is fully consistent with these objectives.
We thank our school administrators and staff for the efforts they made during the strike period to provide supervision and instruction for students. We also thank parents, students and teachers for their patience and cooperation during the strike period.
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The four high schools serve 3,100 students. 167 teachers serving in the four high schools were represented by the Catholic Teachers Union in these negotiations. The other parish and diocesan-run Catholic high schools (Wildwood Catholic, Gloucester Catholic, Saint Joseph) are not affected by the current contract negotiations.