Ambridge teachers returned to the classroom without a new contract on January 5.

Beaver County Radio News Correspondent Sandy Giordano reports the board attempted to deny the teachers the right to speak at the work session, according to Chris Konkus, communications director of AAEA. The board solicitor Hoby Webster told Lauren Mawhinney, board president was told the teachers contract wasn’t on the agenda, even though item 8 is listed as budget and finance. Teachers were told they can speak at next week’s meeting under public comment.  In the meantime, the teachers have been working under the old contract since July 1 2015.

Konkus said that the board’s actions are violating the teachers first amendment rights. No date for selection of an arbitrator for both sides to  resolve the contract issues that include salary and health care costs has been scheduled.