NFT Analyzing Programmatic and Financial Impacts of Council Rock-Based Proposal
LANGHORNE, PA (September 12, 2012) — Negotiating teams for Neshaminy teachers and the school district met again tonight for talks aimed at resolving the contract dispute that stretched into its fifth academic year when students returned to classes last week.
This was the first session since the Neshaminy School Board formally proposed to use the new contract recently approved in the Council Rock School District as the model for an agreement here.
Neshaminy Federation of Teachers leaders sought clarification on whether the proposal was intended as a framework for a new agreement tailored to Neshaminy’s needs, or a take-it or leave-it offer to be accepted or rejected without change. Over the last week, the offer has been described in both ways in comments by Board members and news reports.
During tonight’s negotiation session, the parties focused on what the Board has called a “game-changing” offer based on the Council Rock contract. The NFT negotiation team submitted a detailed list of over 40 questions concerning the terms of that contract with respect to both financial and non-monetary educational policy issues that could affect the quality of education in Neshaminy schools. The questions were based on concerns expressed by NFT members.
“The NFT eagerly awaits full and complete responses,” union President Louise Boyd said after tonight’s bargaining session.
“Our bargaining team has been working since last week to provide members with an analysis of how the specific terms of this Council Rock-based offer would impact educational programs and instruction for our students here in Neshaminy,” Boyd said. “In making this proposal, the Neshaminy district bargaining team failed to provide that kind of detailed analysis.”
NFT leaders, she said, have an obligation to make sure that their members have a full accounting of how the terms would affect educational practices and the financial impact on teachers and other certified staff.
“Neshaminy teachers and certified staff have demonstrated their flexibility throughout this long bargaining process,” Boyd said. “The Board says it wants significant financial savings in a new contract, and the NFT has offered terms and proposed concessions that would save the district millions of dollars.”
NFT bargaining team members noted that the two sides are under directions from Bucks County Court of Common Pleas Judge Robert O. Baldi to work in good faith toward a settlement. At the judge’s request, state Bureau of Mediation Director William Gross attended last week’s negotiating session.
Flexibility is part of good-faith bargaining, Boyd said. “But that is a two-way street. And one priority in our analysis of any offer is maintaining teachers’ voice to advocate for students,” she said. “This is especially important in light of troubling changes the Board has made that have undercut program offerings and harmed instructional quality.”
The next session is scheduled for Thursday, September 13.