LMSD-Union Talks Set for Aug. 7

's 2012-13 school year began Sunday with some 1,300 members of the Lower Merion Education Association working under their just-expired contract.

The district and union—which includes some staff other than teachers—have not agreed on a new contract. The next negotiations are scheduled for Aug. 7, three weeks before the first scheduled teacher day and four weeks before the first day of classes, union president Chris Santa Maria and district spokesman Daniel Capkin told Patch.

"The LMEA is ready to engage in meaningful discussion over our remaining issues," Santa Maria said via email. "Hopefully, the school board is equally commited to getting this done before the new year arrives."

The district does not comment on active negotiations.

In 2010, the two sides reached a new contract in mid-September, more than two months after the previous five-year deal expired.

"The board needs to consider the message it will send to its staff if we don't have a contract in place by September," Santa Maria said. "Our teachers and support staff go far and above the requirements written into contract."