More Friction Between Teachers and Board as Negotiations Continue

The details of the length of instructional days marks what could be one of the last disagreements between the Colts Neck Township Education Association and the Board of Education, after a two-year span without teacher contracts.

In a media statement, the CNTEA said it is seeking a compromise on the proposed revised schedule for the Cedar Grove Middle School. 

The association said the board is proposing increased instructional time, but with no definition or explanation. 

"As educators, we understand the benefits of increased instructional time," said Marianne Quigley, CNTEA negotiations chair.  "However, we believe that this can be achieved by maximizing our time with the students, not by simply elongating the school day."

But Board Attorney Michael Gross said the board's proposal doesn't increase the amount of time a teacher needs to be in school, but increases instructional time to 252 minutes rather than the current 222.

To do this, Gross said the board proposed shortening the teacher lunch time and snipping minutes off the beginning and end of the day of which a teacher is contractually obligated to be in school for prep period by replacing it with instructional time.

"They are giving themselves more prep time, and we're giving the kids more instructional time."

Currently, teachers are contracted to teach 240 minutes per day. Gross said contractual restrictions, such as the allotted prep and lunch times, leaving only 222 minutes of teaching in the day.

"We couldn't fit the square peg in the round hole," Gross said. "The board's proposal is trying to fit the round peg in the round hole."

The CNTEA's compromise involves increasing instructional time in core classes, "relative to a total week's worth of time versus additional class periods."

According to the statement, the association's plan would allow for an increase of 39 minutes per week in each core subject. 

"Our proposal provides teachers the ability to continue to teach in their area of expertise while also consistently keeping students grouped together," said Quigley. 

View the full statement from the CNTEA on Patch.

"Additionally, it affords the administration greater flexibility in scheduling Cedar Drive students, especially for our related arts classes. We urge the board to consider our model and work with us to settle this contract once and for all."

Gross said the board has defined its proposed increased instructional time, saying it would allow time for targeted extra help, enhancement activities, supplemental learning groups and more.

And while the CNTEA calls this negotiation a final item, Gross said teachers are still asking for a 9 percent salary increase over three years.