Still Without Contract, Teachers Pack Board of Ed Meeting

For the second time in two months, dozens of teachers wearing matching blue t-shirts packed the Princeton Regional Schools Board of Education meeting on Tuesday. 

Teachers have been working without a contract since June 30. Last month, the school board approved a contract with district administrators, but an agreement was not reached with the teachers, who are members of the Princeton Regional Education Association. 

Both sides were in talks Monday night until early Tuesday morning, but unable to come to agreement.

At issue in a new contract are disputes over salary and benefits, said Joanne Ryan, president of the teacher's union. She declined to comment on specifics. 

Andrea Spalla, a member of the district's negotiating team, said school board members are willing to negotiate "all day, every day," but must work with the assigned mediator's schedule.  

The mediator's next available date is in early January, although Spalla hopes something will become available sooner.  

"When you see signs that say 'Settle Now' please know that the district and the board wholeheartedly share that sentiment,” Spalla said Tuesday.

"Yes, we want to settle too," said Amy Pearlmutter, a fourth grade teacher at Littlebrook Elementary School, after Tuesday's meeting. "We want to settle with a fair and equitable contract." 

Ryan seem surprised by the the district's public statement during the meeting.

“We’re trying to be professional and we’re frustrated by the lack of movement from the board and their public statement given tonight," Ryan said. 

Contract talks began 11 months ago with an initial meeting between both sides on Dec. 7, Ryan said.