Regional District, Teachers Still at Odds on Contracts

Although the West Morris Regional Board of Education looks forward to moving into a new year with fresh challenges, an old challenge still exists for the district: settling the ongoing labor dispute between the district and its educators.

Joyce Hartmann, a science teacher at West Morris Central High School and a spokesperson for the West Morris Regional Education Association, spoke to the board on Monday night in the hope that the contract situation—which has existed since the end of the Association’s previous contract in 2009—is resolved shortly.

Hartmann was diplomatic, but made it clear that the teachers’ patience is running out, especially in an economy where it is difficult enough for residents to cover their expenses.

“We’re putting kids through college and trying to buy homes, we’re trying to get married, we’re trying to have babies, we’re trying to raise families and cover our expenses,” said Hartmann. “I speak in frustration tonight as to the breakdown of communication and the complacency of this board.”

The desired new deal would include guidelines for salary and other terms and conditions, as well as a revision of benefits. District teachers have currently been asked to pay a portion of their benefits, which include health, prescription, and dental coverage.

“We have been professional and we have been patient. I hope that we don’t have to go on any longer without a contract,” said Hartmann. “The schools are working because the teachers are keeping it together, but that can’t go on forever without a contract.”

District Business Administrator L. Douglas Pechanec realizes the concerns of the teachers and hopes the district and the teachers can continue discussions to come to an agreement.

“We’re gonna continue to talk with the teachers about the difference that we have at the table,” said Pechanec. “That’s really the extent of where we are at this point. We’re keeping the communication open, so that we don’t just stay in our corners and not even come out and discuss it. We’re going to continue to have that conversation with them as long as we can.”

The two entities are expected to come together sometime in June to try to work out a new labor agreement. Pechanec stated that an arbitrator would sit in on the meeting in an effort to “try to iron out what the differences are.”

Board of Education president Cristen Forrester expressed her regret that a deal has not been reached with the teachers, but is also hopeful that the two sides can strike a deal in the coming months.

“I‘m hopeful that the discussions have continued and will continue. We’re all disappointed that we haven’t come to a successful conclusion yet, but we’re hopeful of that now, that our budget’s passed,” said Forrester. “Our teachers, I know, have been very professional. They also worked to help pass the budget, and I’m hopeful that we now have time to focus on that.”