NSB Presses for More Negotiations
The school board and NFT haven't negotiated new contract terms since before the strike in January.
Although the Neshaminy School Board was disappointed by the non-binding arbitration process, the school board contacted state-appointed mediator John Cairns to schedule further contract talks with the Neshaminy Federation of Teachers.
Read more: Neshaminy Superintendent Presents More Cost Saving Recommendations
"There isn't a single board member who doesn't want to get this thing [a new contract] settled, but we have to keep our costs under control or else it will be the students who suffer," school board President Ritchie Webb said in a press release.
"We are willing to continue talks as long as the NFT is," Webb added.
In response to NFT President Louise Boyd's criticism that that the school board's recent rejection of the arbitrator's ruling was "vindictive," Webb said that "the entire board remains mystified why a supposedly neutral third party, who is an agent of the state, would issue a ruling that would force this district to exceed the state's Act 1 mandated inflationary limit; the process is broken."
Read more: NFT 'Frustrated' Over Board's Rejection of Arbitration Report
Webb also said that he feels that teachers have taken the board's stance personally when it is all about the business of running a school district.
"I sympathize with their frustration, but union leaders have yet to show how the district can afford their contract demands," Webb stated.
Read more: NFT Ends Work-to-Contract, Authorizes Possible Strike
When asked about a possible second teachers' strike this school year, Webb said, "I hope it doesn't come to that because ultimately it is the children who pay the price, but the board remains committed to fiscal responsibility and educational results, and we are bolstered by the unwavering support of our community."
former teacher
3:46 pm on Monday, May 14, 2012
Take a deep breath, Louise. When Ritchie says that he wants an affordable contract, he is not being vindictive.
former teacher
3:47 pm on Monday, May 14, 2012
Now calling a strike and locking kids out of school because you aren't getting what you want is what I call vindictive.
Richard
4:02 pm on Monday, May 14, 2012
Hey Boyd, What is VINDICTIVE is you & your NFT wanting Taxpayers to pay more your luxurious Benefits and Salaries
marlaena potts
4:16 pm on Monday, May 14, 2012
I was thinking the same thing Former teacher! I was also thinking it is an unproductive way to settle any disagreement. My children will be the ones to suffer and that makes me angry. When people are angry they don't listen- so why strike and anger so many?
former teacher
4:53 pm on Monday, May 14, 2012
Marlaena, it has been suggested that Boyd does not want a settlement on realistic terms (i.e. less expensive). The reason is that she and over half of the staff (at max step, upwards of $95,000 and free health care) would have to take a net loss.
So it is just easier to stir things up, get people angry and just tell the younger teachers (the ones she is screwing) that all of this isn't her fault. It is the fault of the NSB and the angry 'minority'.
But don't stir yourself up over this. She won't settle no matter what we do or don't do. Just keep supporting the board. They are the ones that have the best interests of the kids and taxpayers at heart.
Linda Sheridan
7:43 am on Tuesday, May 15, 2012
Amen former teacher- Neshaminy is top-heavy and they do not want a new contract.
They also did not want to lose pay by striking. The arbitrators, politicians,etc are
beholden to the teamsters. The unions fund their campaigns- BOTH GOP and dems. This will lead to breaking the unions and the boyd-ers have done so, so much damage to the teaching profession. The young, new teachers are happy to have a job and benefits- and working approx 190 days a year
and of course the 1/3 of the real teachers who voted against the boyd-ers are very
dear to our hearts! Greed is ugly. Godspeed to Ritchie Webb and our school board!
SAVE OUR STUDENTS!
feasterville resident
9:29 am on Tuesday, May 15, 2012
Ritchie Webb has the best interest for our children not Louise Boyd. Let us all show our support for the NSB. Kudos to Mr. Webb and the Board.
robert
7:53 pm on Tuesday, May 15, 2012
Have them re-apply for their Jobs, and at the table to the left..is the new contract. You have to stop worrying about "the Legal rammifications'....screw that....either way the NFT will sue...so what.. it is still cheaper...and you mean to tell me that as a taxpayer we have no recourse or say as to whether we "maintain this Union" or not?
Okay.....give em everthing they want..and when we run out of money..let the township file for bankruptcy...20 cents on the dollar...sorry Louise we ran out of money...it worked for Trump when he screwed the Unions in Atlantic city....we no longer need Union representation in a work environment that does not impede any health and safety violations or anything of that nature. Hold the paychecks for 120 days....they will come to the table...STOP worrying about lawyers....make a statement...Default on their pay...so what...we don't have it...you will get paid as so as you are working under a contract that is valid.
Feodor Tiorlenko
6:16 am on Thursday, June 7, 2012
Robert represents the ignorant dopes among you. Robert, if you had a brain signifying the ability to retain information, you wouldn't be spouting that ignoramus rant.
That's precisely why we need public education. You folks don't understand how you publicly embarass yourselves every moment you put your fingers on a keypad and press enter.
This is embarassing drivel. Nehsaminy is the home of dopes.