Chester Upland School District employees rally for new contract

Chester, Pa. (WTXF) - 5 years without a raise and teachers in one of the most economically challenged districts in the state are still coming to work every day without a contract.

"Because I was born and raised in Chester and I want to do what's right for my students," said teacher Markeisha Bell.

The teachers union rallied at the Chester School Board demanding a new contract. Many parents even say it's time the teachers get what they deserved.

Average classroom teacher salary in Chester Upland is $71,168 a year that's well below averages of neighboring school districts where some teachers have been migrating.

A union rep tells FOX 29 both sides are back to the bargaining table and after a public plea by teachers the school board now under state control announced progress.

"The school district absolutely remains optimistic that we will be able to reach an agreement with the teachers within a short amount of time," said School Board Receiver Peter Barsz.

The announcement brought applause to the standing room crowd who says Chester Upland's 13,000 students are the ones getting caught in the middle.