Delco teachers to rally before meeting

GLEN MILLS Garnet Valley district teachers, who have worked without a contract this year, are planning an informational picket and rally at Concord Elementary School, 114 Station Rd., Glen Mills, Tuesday night before the start of a school board meeting at the school.

The sides have been working since January to secure a new deal, including going to a state mediator. But the union says that under the district's proposal, some teachers would be making less money next year than they did in 2012-13 due to increased health care costs.

"We cannot accept something that is regressive," said Great Valley Education Association president Kathy Petrini.

More than 200 teachers are to rally in public spaces around the Delaware County school starting at 6:15 p.m. Speakers will address the crowd. Then the group will march into the school board meeting.

Superintendent Marc Bertrando said he hoped that the two sides would make progress at the next bargaining session on May 8 but declined to discuss specifics of the district's offer. - Kathy Boccella