Contract Talks On Top of Residents' Minds

Residents at Monday's Board of Education meeting concerned about the ongoing negotiations with the Warren Township Education Association dominated Monday's public comments.

Most expressed a desire for more information, or sought clarification on how teachers can speak to students about the negotiations.

Parent Allison Angelini, of Smoke Rise Drive, asked about buttons some teachers are wearing regarding the lack of a contract.

"The buttons, from (the teachers') perspective, urge parents to ask the board to settle—the board is willing to settle," Superintendent Tami Crader said.

Dr. Crader added the teachers are allowed to "wear anything they choose to" (she noted many are wearing black this year to signify the lack of a contract), and can picket outside of schools—but are prohibited from "bringing it inside" the classrooms.

Parent Andrea Azevedo, of Dock Watch Hollow Road, asked what assurances parents had that education won't be affected—she noted she works in a district and knows how much time teachers spend outside of schools on extra-curricular programs, homework and other tasks.

"This is a highly-professional staff," Dr. Crader said. "I feel confident that they will (meet students' needs)."

The discussion began with a query from Andrea Freijomil, of Christy Drive, who wondered how parents "in the middle, not knowing what's going on" could learn more about the talks.

"It's a difficult position for parents because you only hear from us," Dr. Crader said. She suggested parents encourage the "union to present their position."

Freijomil thanked the board for its previous statements on the talks, some of which the union took issue with. She also encouraged the board to send more email blasts to parents with updated information.

Dr. Crader said the board's negotiations committee had held a "very recent" meeting with their WTEA counterparts. The board also held an executive session after its regular business to discuss the negotiations.

Several teachers and WTEA President Frances Blabolil were present at the meeting initially, but left while the board held an hour-long interview and discussion behind closed doors of a new business secretary candidate.