Ramsey February 18, 2009 THE VILLADOM TIMES IV • Page 3 Board, teachers reach final stage of contract negotiations The Ramsey Board of Education and the Ramsey Teachers Association have both voted to accept the factfinder’s report and end the contract negotiations dispute that began in 2007. The teachers began working under the terms of their prior contract after the teachers and the board could not reach an agreement on the terms of a new agreement. Fact-finder Thomas D. Hardigan, was appointed by the state’s Public Employment Relations Commission to hold a hearing, collect evidence, and make a recommendation for a settlement to these negotiations. Hardigan recommended a four year contract with salary increases of 4.20 percent for the three years covering 2007-08 through 2009-10, and 4.35 percent for 2010-11. He recommended no changes in health insurance. The fact-finder noted that the county average salary settlement for the first three years was about 4.47 percent, but because he was recommending no changes to health insurance, there would be no cost savings to the board in that area, and therefore a salary settlement lower than the county average was appropriate. “I do believe we are nearing the end of our negotiation sessions,” Ramsey Superintendent of Schools Roy Montessano told Villadom TIMES last week. He added that the next step would be for the board and the teachers to refine the salary guides, which will determine the distribution of available funds. Tony Gasparovich, negotiations chairperson for the board of education, stated, “This is not the settlement we wanted, but it is the best settlement we can get. We have accepted the report so that these negotiations can be concluded and the district can move forward.” The teachers association was contacted for further comment, but had not responded at press time. Pinnacle Learning Center At the Ramapo Reformed Church 109 West Ramapo Ave., Mahwah Conveniently located just off Route 17 7 AM - 6:30 PM M-F Yr. Round Flexible Hrs. Half and Full Day Pre-School - 2½ - 6 Years Crafts, Music, Spanish, Computers, Science AM & PM Academics. Owner/Director/Teacher Maria Cancelosi NJ State License CPR Trained Affordable - Sibling Discount ��������������������������������������������� ��������������������������������������������� ��������������������������������������������� ��������������������������������� ������������������������������������������������������������ ���������������������������������������������������������������� �������������������������������������������������������������� ������������������ FRANK PERINO General Contracting All types of HOME REPAIRS & IMPROVEMENTS 201-684-1665 No Job Too Small Reasonable Rates �������������������� Licensed & Insured 25 Years Experience Register for September 2009 201-512-3313