After working since July 1, 2009 without a contract, the Plainview Old Bethpage Board of Education voted 5-2 on Monday, Jan. 25 to approve new contracts for the Plainview Old Bethpage Congress of Teachers. This decision came after much debate.
A major concern for everyone involved in the negotiations was the 2011-2012 school year as the federal stimulus is set to be cut. The disagreement was purely financial with the two sides not able to agree on the amount of an increase that the teachers would receive in the second year of the two-year contract.
The final agreement gives the teachers a 2 percent raise for the 2009-2010 school year, which will be retroactive to July 1, 2009. They also receive a 2.75 percent increase for the second year on salary schedule.
After a Memorandum of Agreement was signed by the union president and the superintendent of schools, the teachers ratified the contracts and the board approved it making it official.
“We are delighted that the parties have resolved the issues and we can return our focus to instruction and developing a responsible budget for the community,” said Superintendent of Schools Gerard Dempsey.
There was no comment by the Plainview Old Bethpage Congress of Teachers.
The next meeting of the Plainview Old Bethpage Board of Education is Monday, Feb. 8 at 7:45 p.m. in the board room of Central Administration.
