Warren Teacher Contracts Remain a 'Hot Topic'

As Warren Township Board of Education President Gregory Przybylski described ongoing contract talks with the Warren Township Education Association (WTEA) as “differences of position,” several parents at Tuesday's board meeting expressed anger and disappointment with the situation.

Przybylski provided a summary statement that described the board as offering 3.5 percent increases over two years and acceptance of the medical plan. He said WTEA was seeking 3.5 percent increases over three years and language holding the board to cover any increased health-care costs that might arise.

“We have encouraged a settlement. The board has been very proactive,” Przybylski told the more than 25 people— made up of mostly teachers wearing “Settle Now” pins and a few parents—who crowded into the meeting room.

“We’re facing limits in what we are able to do as a board. We would like to achieve a settlement as quickly as possible,” he added, noting that fact-finding is scheduled for early December.

The WTEA has been without a contract since July 1, 2010. Negotiations began in the fall of 2009.

One Christie Drive parent expressed concern over the lack of content on teachers’ Web sites. “It’s a hot topic” among parents, she said, adding, “It’s certainly not helping the situation as far as the parents are concerned. They’re angry. It’s not well received.”

Susan Riali, of Somerville Drive, also expressed disappointment.

“We’re so upset that this is going on," she said. "The teachers seem to be taking the heat because we see them every day. I really hope this can get resolved in December.”