Important Announcement
The HTEA Negotiations Team and the Haverford School Board Negotiations Team reached a tentative agreement following a lengthy bargaining session on Wednesday, December 3. HTEA members will have the opportunity to review the full details of the proposed contract before casting their votes. This will occur prior to the December 18th school board meeting. We appreciate everyone's patience as we continue to bring this process to a close.
Haverford teachers have spent months negotiating in good faith for a fair and equitable contract that honors our commitment to students and the community. Despite multiple proposals from the HTEA, the District’s latest offer has changed very little since August. When their proposal was brought to our membership, the message was unmistakable: 94% voted no. We stand together in demanding a fair, competitive contract.
The District claims its offer represents a 4% raise, but the numbers tell a different story.
HTEA’s verified analysis shows the average increase is only about 2.75%, and for our most experienced educators (15+ years), it’s under 2%. Here is the data.
Adding pressure, the Board's team is recommending taking retroactive pay off the table.
Our teachers—who give so much to this community—deserve honesty and fairness, not misleading numbers or intimidation tactics.
Elementary teachers have repeatedly asked to restore daily collaboration time lost since COVID.
This time was taken during COVID with the understanding that it would be reinstated once the pandemic was over.
HTEA remains committed to keeping Haverford’s contract competitive with neighboring districts so we can attract and retain high-quality educators.
To help control costs while maintaining quality coverage, the team was willing to discontinue the most expensive healthcare plan and offer a high-deductible plan as an option for members who prefer it.
However, the District is still insisting that all new hires be placed exclusively into this high-deductible plan.
If accepted, Haverford would be the only district in the area requiring a group of employees to accept a lower-tier, high-deductible healthcare plan.
The District is also proposing to raise employee contributions for both medical and prescription coverage by 1% in each year of the contract.
Haverford teachers already contribute more toward medical coverage than most districts in Delaware County, and these additional increases would make our costs one of the highest in the county, hurting both recruitment and retention during an ongoing teacher shortage.
Such changes would make it significantly harder to attract and retain high-quality teachers—the very professionals our students depend on for their success.
Haverford’s educators have a long record of sacrifice for our schools:
In 2012, teachers voluntarily renegotiated mid-contract and took pay reductions to prevent furloughs and cuts.
In the next contract, they agreed to a pay freeze to help stabilize finances.
Since then, inflation has eroded salaries by more than 15%.
Haverford teachers have given and given—it’s time for the District to give back.
Fair Salary: Secure a Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) to offset years of high inflation. Click here for more information.
Professional Time: Restore elementary teachers’ daily collaboration time lost since COVID. Click here for more information.
Competitive Contract: Keep Haverford competitive with nearby districts to attract and retain the best educators during the teacher shortage. Click here for more information.
Why We Didn't Accept the Current Offer
Salaries are not keeping up with inflation.
Elementary collaboration time continues to be ignored.
Net Effect: The School District of Haverford Township will lose its competitive advantage with other districts in Delaware County due to both salary and working conditions.
This contract doesn’t reflect the excellence that defines our schools—or the dedication of our educators.
Affordability & Priorities
HTEA’s proposal is fiscally responsible and fully within the District’s means.
Fair pay isn’t about affordability—it’s about priorities.
Investing in teachers means investing in students, families, and the future of Haverford.
Standing Together
Our educators remain committed to our students and community, even as we work without a contract. We deeply appreciate your support as we continue to advocate for fairness, respect, and the quality education our students deserve.
Together, we can ensure Haverford stays strong.
What do Haverford teachers have to say?
Our teachers share why they love Haverford, what makes our schools so special, and how supporting teachers directly supports students. Their stories highlight the passion and dedication that make our district strong.
