Teachers
without contracts in 8 districts
Monday, November 07, 2005 • By
GEORGE WACKER • The
Express-Times
Teachers in eight school districts in
Warren and Hunterdon counties are working under expired
contracts, a state School Boards Association official
said.
In Hunterdon County, teachers at Clinton
and Delaware township school districts, High Bridge Public
Schools and Lambertville City School District are working
under expired contracts, said Mike Yaple, state School
Boards Association spokesman.
In Warren County, teachers at Alpha
Borough, Hackettstown, Knowlton Township and Great Meadows
regional school districts are also working under expired
contracts.
Great Meadows Superintendent Jason Bing
said health care has been a sticking point during
negotiations, which have been going on since the
summer.
Bing said negotiations were last held
Oct. 17.
The previous three-year contract expired
in June.
"Health care is definitely an issue that
teachers are looking into," he said.
State Board of Education negotiator Gary
Whalen said salaries are a main issue in High Bridge Public
Schools contract negotiations.
Whalen said the teachers' three-year
contract expired in June and preliminary negotiations
failed.
A mediator was brought in in an effort to
settle the matter.
"A few minor issues were settled in early
mediation," he said. "I think both sides are coming to a
consensus."
Hackettstown School Board President Bruce
Smith said the teachers' contract expired in
June.
Smith said little progress was made in a
September negotiation session. A mediator was also brought
in, but Smith would not discuss what issues are of
importance in negotiations.
Reporter George Wacker can be reached at 610-258-7171 or by
e-mail at gwacker@express-times.com.
© 2005 The Express-Times. Used with
permission.
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