The president of the union representing 36 service workers in the Tamaqua Area School District has responded to the school board's attempt to outsource custodial services.

Manual Rosa, president of the Educational Support Personnel union, issued a statement Sunday in regard to comments attributed to Tamaqua School Board President Larry A. Wittig in reference to the school district's negotiations with its service personnel.The workers have been without a contract since June 1999, but have continued at their positions without interruption.The Tamaqua School Board had previously advertised for bids for custodial services from outside contractors, a move Wittig has suggested could save the school district $100,000 per year.