Pike Township teachers call for change at second rally in 2 weeks
INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Pike Township schools continue to see problems with teachers’ pay. On Thursday, a group of more than 100 teachers, bus drivers and families rallied for the second time in two weeks to call for higher compensation.
After their first rally before a school board meeting earlier this month, teachers were brought back to the bargaining table. President of the Pike Township Classroom Teachers Association Chris Ludy said that the meeting was not successful.
“Bargaining should be kept private and should be done in good faith. Last night, an email was sent from the administration with details of offers and it was trying to paint teachers and PCTA in a negative light. Within two hours of that email, 3 teachers joined the union,” said Ludy.
The purpose of the second rally, Ludy said, was to call on school board members to make some major changes.
“We are here to continue to talk to the administration, but now we are focusing on the school board because if anyone is gonna make a change, it’s the elected school board officials,” said Ludy.
Over the last two weeks, the group’s treasurer, Mike Bankert, spent a lot of time crunching the numbers.
“Last time we talked you asked if there was money. I’m here to say absolutely, there is money,” said Bankert.
Bankert said after some of his findings, families should be concerned.
“They need to ask where each dollar is going — because it’s not going to the classroom,” said Bankert.
For a second time, transportation staff stood with teachers in solidarity. Bus driver Lawrence Turner said that last month’s strike that forced students to stay home was largely because of pay, but he says safety also played a role.
“One issue plays over to the other. We don’t have proper spacing on the buses for those kids and because of the shortage, they’re double drivers’ runs,” said Turner.
If conditions don’t change, some teachers said they won’t stick around.
“We’re very afraid these classrooms are gonna be empty next year and we need a deal that rivals those around us,” said Bankert.
News 8 reached out to Pike Township Schools for comment and did not hear back.