Teachers, board are talking again Next meeting Jan. 17. Mediation set for Feb. 13 with new counsel. Tuesday, January 09, 2007 • By DANIEL HAUSMANN • The Express-Times PHILLIPSBURG | Teachers and the school district hope a new year brings a new contract. The school board's negotiating team and the Phillipsburg Education Association set Feb. 13 as a mediation date. The district and teachers will meet once before on Jan. 17. "I feel very positive about it," association President Barbara English said. English, who went back to her maiden name from Alderfer, said teachers back the negotiating team. "I think they're anxious to settle," English said. Anxious was the word of choice for English and association Vice President Deb Carty, who said she's "anxious to get started," with the board. "I think they're moving too slow," Carty said. "It's been a little too drawn out." The anxiety stems from teachers being held at the same salaries since last June when the previous contract expired. They also must become familiar with attorney Don Morrow after the board dropped former labor counsel Richard Bauch. "We are very anxious just to meet with Mr. Morrow," English said. Morrow has handled board labor issues in the past and said he's looking forward to working with the teachers. Negotiations committee Chairman Kevin DeGerolamo said with Bauch it took eight meetings to get an offer on the table to the teachers. "I think we need a fresh change," DeGerolamo said. "I think both sides want to get this done." English agreed. "Unfortunately we had mediation dates for December (Bauch) didn't share with the board," English said. "I guess that was my turning point for trust in him." Actions such as "work to rule" or advertising will wait until the talking stops. "I think as long as the board is still working with us it's amicable," English said. The sticking points for both sides are money, insurance and time. "We would like to have our working conditions basically the same," English said. Reporter Daniel Hausmann can be reached at 610-258-7171 or by e-mail at dhausmann@express-times.com. © 2006 The Express-Times. Used by NJ.com with permission.