Schools
Franklin Lakes Teachers Blast Board Of Ed. For No Contract
Teachers have been working without a new contract for 20 months. They shouted and held up signs at a Board of Education meeting Tuesday.
FRANKLIN LAKES, NJ — Dozens of teachers packed a Board of Education meeting Tuesday night in protest not getting a new contract for going on two years now.
Union members held up signs that said "no confidence" and chanted the two words in front of the board. Union members also held up signs with "2 years 2 long" and "no contract is shameful" outside of township schools recently.
Parents are also upset about the contract situation.
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"It is a terrible situation and one that is impacting not only our teachers, but our children, our community and our property values," said Lauren Hersh. "Many residents, myself included, are outraged."
The Franklin Lakes Education Association and board have been at odds for more than a year while negotiations have dragged on between them. The union's contact with the district expired in July 2017, more than 20 months ago.
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Health care costs continue to be a sticking point for union members. Medical insurance contributions have outpaced any salary increases the union would have received. Contributions are based on how much members earn. The more someone makes, the more they contribute.
The Board of Education has presented the union with a number of proposals that would increase teacher compensation and reduce members' health insurance contributions.
The union rejected the board's most recent offer on Feb. 13 without providing a counter offer.
"Franklin Lakes is fortunate to have some of the best teachers in the state, and the Board of Education is sympathetic to their concerns," said Joseph Rosano, president of the Franklin Lakes Board of Education.
According to Rosano, the union has "rebuffed the board throughout the process."
Rosano said the board's proposals have been reasonable, competitive, sustainable for the district, and "clearly improve teacher compensation."
Rosano tried following up with union leaders march 12, asking for clarification of their position and meeting for "good faith negotiations," but received no response from them, he said.
"It's difficult to settle a contract when one party won't even answer emails or meet for negotiations," Rosano said.
Several Franklin Lakes teachers are among the highest paid in the state and make more than $100,000.
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