LANGHORNE, Pa., Nov. 30, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- As teachers prepare for their next contract negotiating session with the school district on Thursday, leaders of the Neshaminy Federation of Teachers today said they are disappointed that administrators so far have refused to meet with them to discuss the school system's educational priorities.

"Teachers are dismayed that the school administration can't seem to find time for this important discussion," said Louise Boyd, president of the Neshaminy Federation of Teachers. "Setting educational priorities is crucial to improving student achievement and making sure Neshaminy kids get the best education possible. We have made three requests for a meeting and have offered to meet on any day that works for the administrators involved. So far, they only have said that they are working on a document that will address the district's priorities."

Throughout the contract talks, Neshaminy teachers have repeatedly said it is essential that the school board and administrators identify their educational priorities and fully inform teachers and the community of those goals. With goals in place, teachers believe both sides will be able to focus on the education agenda in negotiations and make the current talks an opportunity to work together to define the steps needed to achieve those goals.

"That is the spirit of collaboration that we will bring to the next bargaining session on Thursday," Boyd said. "Teachers have indicated our willingness to make compromises that are fair. We want Neshaminy schools to be a great place to learn and to work. We hope that the school district's bargaining team comes to the table prepared to negotiate. If they do that, we are ready to make progress together."

Neshaminy teachers have been working under a contract that expired in July 2008.

SOURCE The Neshaminy Federation of Teachers