Neshaminy Teacher Negotiations Update

Here's some more information from the BCCT regarding the Neshaminy teachers negotiations.

Be sure to check out the comments to the news story as well.

Get the details

To view the fact-finder's report, visit www.dli.state.pa.us/landi/cwp/view.asp?a=136&Q=248097. The Neshaminy school board has also created a Web site to keep residents informed about negotiations with the NFT: http://docs.google.com/view?docid=dd9qgb9z_9hk929bhg.

How the sides compare

NESHAMINY SCHOOL BOARD

* Increase salaries 1 percent annually
* Union to pay 10, 11 and 12 percent toward healthcare premiums over next three years
* Increase K-5 class size ranges from 22-29 students to 27-33 students
* Eliminate $27,500 cash payment on retirement, plus full benefits coverage until 65
* Increase step schedule from 11 to 15 steps by 2010-2011
* Eliminate longevity pay
* Eliminate long-term sub pool
* Increase work days from 188.5 to 190.5
* Increase work hours from 7 to 7.5
* Eliminate recognition of master's degree equivalency
* Change six excused absences to three personal days
* Institute mandatory drug-testing for staff

NESHAMINY FEDERATION OF TEACHERS

* Increase salaries 4 percent annually
* No change in health insurance; currently no payment for premiums
* Reduce class sizes from 29 to 27 students in fourth grade, 29 to 28 students in fifth grade, and 35 to 30 students in the middle and high schools
* Increase retirement incentive from $27,500 to $30,000
* Assign no more than three consecutive teaching periods
* Eliminate sister-schooling at the elementary level
* Increase prep periods from five to seven per week
* Allow 12 days per year, or 15 periods per marking period, for individual education plans for special ed teachers
* Cap special ed students at one to every three “regular” students in regular education classes
* Implement required technology education at elementary level
* Implement full-day kindergarten
* Limit case loads to 250 for guidance counselors, 750 for school nurses, 250 for social workers and 1,000 for psychologists

The demands aren't necessarily comparable by category between the union and the board.

Source: Neshaminy School District.