Summit Academy Parma Teachers Ratify First Contract

Parma, OH — Teachers and intervention specialists at Summit Academy in Parma voted overwhelmingly to ratify their first union contract today, following a nine day strike. The contract includes gains for student learning conditions, including language on class size and staffing. Union members will have a strengthened voice through a Labor-Management Committee and a binding grievance and arbitration process. The contract does not include any economic gains for teachers, but there will be an economic re-opener in the fall after the school’s enrollment for the 2019-2020 school year is set.

Teachers and Intervention Specialists at Summit Academy Painesville File for Union Recognition

Painesville, OH – Teachers, intervention specialists, and instructional aides at Summit Academy Community School – Painesville filed a petition for union recognition today. They are organizing to join the Cleveland Alliance of Charter Teachers and Staff (Cleveland ACTS) local, affiliated with the Ohio Federation of Teachers and American Federation of Teachers. They also delivered a copy of their petition to their principal at the end of the workday.

AFT National President, Striking Teachers Highlight Lake Erie West’s Charter Failures

Toledo, OH — As charter school teachers at Summit Academy Parma continue their strike, American Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten and striking teachers spoke in Toledo outside the office of the Educational Service Center of Lake Erie West. Lake Erie West is the sponsor for Summit Academy schools and has a record of ineffectiveness and failed oversight as a charter school sponsor, including the scandal-ridden Electronic Classroom of Tomorrow (ECOT).
 

Summit Academy Parma Teachers Begin Strike

Parma, OH — Teachers at Summit Academy Parma began their strike today at 7:30 a.m. at the school building on Stumph Road in Parma. The teachers are striking over an Unfair Labor Practice charge against Summit Academy Management for their failure to negotiate in good faith. Through nine months of negotiations, teachers have been seeking: improved health and safety conditions, manageable class sizes and caseloads, planning periods, and standards that will allow the school to retain quality teachers and provide consistency for students.