Negotiations between the Archdiocese and the teachers' union resumed this afternoon and exceeded the scheduled time. An agreement has not yet been reached. We will continue to talk through this holiday weekend and plan to meet again on Labor Day morning.

The Archdiocese is hopeful for a signed, fair contract in place for the start of school on Wednesday. The union has scheduled a ratification vote for Tuesday, September 5, 2006 at 11:00 a.m. School for the 20 high schools begins on Wednesday, September 6, 2006. Students are expected to report. In the event of a strike, contingency plans would be announced; however, school will open the first week regardless of any action by the teachers' union.


Editor's Note: The contract now under negotiation will affect 955 high school lay teachers. In the five-county region 21,260 students attend Archdiocesan high schools (as of the 2005-2006 school year). Please note that Archdiocesan elementary and special education school teachers are not members of the secondary school teachers' union. The first day of school is Wednesday, September 6, 2006.

Contact
Donna Farrell
Director of Communications
215-57-3747