The Saucon Valley School District may go to non-binding arbitration if a May 7 negotiating session fails to resolve a three-year labor dispute.

At the April 28 meeting, the board voted 6-2 to proceed to arbitration. Board President Michael Karabin and board member Jack Dowling voted in opposition. Board member Ed Inghrim was not present for the vote.

The board room was packed with teachers and community members who urged the board to attend the session. Rather than send board members, the board will dispatch labor Solicitor Jeffrey Sultamik and district Business Manager Dave Bonenberger to engage in the negotiations.

Teachers particularly took issue with the board's refusal to send any members to the arbitration session, specifically Karabin.

"It's your move. Show up May 7, Mr. Karabin," high school English teacher and boys' soccer coach Mel Moyer said.

Teacher Carol Free spoke with deep concern for the current situation.

"Does anyone besides our teachers see that this place is indeed burning down around us," she asked.

Karabin said he took issue with teachers telling him he lacks concern and respect for them.

"You know the tears that are coming to my eyes," he said. "I always respected all of you. I always reached my hand out. And this is it? It's all our fault? It's everybody involved in this. It has to be."

According to Saucon Valley Education Association Chief Negotiator Rich Simononis, the board indicated it wanted to receive input from rank-and-file members.

"This association wants to resolve this contract but it takes two people this contract but it takes two people to dance," Simononis declared. "And right now, we're by ourselves."

If the May 7 talks produce no fruit, the board will ask for nonbinding arbitration. The union, Simononis advised, would then be tasked with researching the best available options.

"Everything is on the table," Simononis said. "Negotiate, strike, nonbinding arbitration."

Teacher Tom Koch said the board refusing to attend the talks does not point to a group that wants to come together to reach a solution.

"From my point of view, it looks like you're pulling your team from the table," he said.

Board Solicitor Mark Fitzgerald said the board is committed to listening to the concerns of the teachers union.

"The board is hopeful that the union will be willing to join in moving toward this process," Fitzgerald added.

"Put your faces across the table from ours and bring about a fair contract through conference, discussion and compromise," high school science teacher Cameron Fowler said.