Contractless Teachers Make Show of Solidarity

The standing contract for Ocean City teachers, which expired in June 2011, calls for a start time of 7:45 a.m.

And that's when teachers at Ocean City High School and Ocean City Primary School reported on Friday morning — gathering then walking into school in a show of support for the Ocean City Education Association (OCEA) negotiators who are seeking a new agreement.

The teachers did not arrive a minute earlier than required, and they say they will stop doing other extras — chaperoning proms and other voluntary tasks.

"We're making our point now," said Alex Brigden, an OCEA departmental representative and spokesperson.

"We as members are upset with both the pace and direction of the negotiations," he said. "We have been working nearly a whole school year without a new agreement while all the people above us operate with contracts.  The superintendent is in the midst of a long-term contract, the business administrator was recently granted a new contract and the administrator unit is very close to inking a new deal — all renewed before their expiration date."

The OCEA and the Ocean City Board of Education have not been able to share details of the contract terms still under negotiation, but an April 23 mediation session brought no resolution, and a state fact-finder is now scheduled to hear arguments from both sides in August.

"It's not a ridiculous proposal," Brigden said. He said teachers have recognized the current economic climate in their negotiations, and that the state now dictates certain contract terms such as employee contributions to health benefits.

"Up to this point, we've been doing everything we've always done," Brigden said.

But 17 months after contract negotiations began, the OCEA will stop doing things that won't affect the school day.

"We have and will continue to do the best job under the terms of our old agreement," he said. The children of this community will still receive the best education possible during the school day."