Salaries on Ice

BREWSTER—Recognizing the difficult economic times facing New York’s educational system, the Brewster Teachers Association has become one of the first in the region to ratify a new three-year contract that includes a salary freeze for the 2010-11 school year.

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Jane Sandbank announced the ratification by both the Board of Education and the teachers’ rank and file on her weekly “Inside the Brewster Schools” television program last Thursday.

In addition to the salary freeze, which also affects the district’s central office administrators—the superintendent; assistant superintendent; director of curriculum, instruction and professional personnel; and the director of information, technology and classified personnel— the contract calls for salary raises of 1.85 percent in July, 2011; 1.75 percent in February 2012, 1.9 percent in July 2012, and 1.7 percent in February 2013.

Assistant Superintendent Tim Conway said that by deferring raises to mid-year, “the resulting average annual payout is 1.8 percent.”

The contract also calls for an increase in employee health insurance contributions in the second and third year of the contract, to 11 percent and 12 percent respectively. Newly hired teachers will be subject to increased health insurance contributions in retirement.

Board of Education President Dr. Stephen Jambor thanked the teachers for “bargaining in good faith and working with the district to arrive at a fair and equitable settlement nearly six months before the current contract ends. For the past few years we have been actively working to create a professional learning community which can serve the needs of our children. This agreement with our teachers and central office administration serves as a real example of the dedication and support that exists for our mission. The Board of Education is proud of these men and women and their work ethic. We firmly believe their efforts have helped to raise the bar in public education.”

Dr. Sandbank also lauded the teachers, calling them “professionals who are committed not only to our students but also to serving as a vital part of the larger community. They recognize that current times require unique and broader perspectives on issues of compensation and benefits. The contract marks a significant departure from the norms of the past in that when both parties came to the table to talk, they brought with them a desire for everyone to come away with a fair settlement, understanding the need for compromise and sensitivity due to the prevailing economic conditions.”

BTA President Nick Viglucci expressed pride that his rank-and-file had the opportunity to assist the greater Brewster community “during these challenging times. The agreement could not have been completed without the unprecedented support, cooperation, and determination of the teachers, central administration, and our Board of Education. I am proud of our teachers for their insight, strength, and courage to ‘do the right thing!’”