Ritchie Webb Urges NFT Leaders to Allow Vote on 'Final Offer'

During the last negotiation session between the Neshaminy School Board and Neshaminy Federation of Teachers, the mediator told the board's negotiation team that the union would be bringing the board's "final offer" before the rank and file teachers for a vote.

However, NFT President Louise Boyd said later that the union "never said anything to that effect" and that no vote was planned. She stated that the union leaders would review the offer, which is based on the Council Rock contract, and share and discuss it with NFT members.

Now, school board President Ritchie Webb is urging the NFT to reconsider letting its member vote on the offer in the following letter to the editor:

"She is denying them an opportunity to vote on a contract that would bring an end to over five year’s unrest in Neshaminy.

She is denying them a contract modeled after the most respected school district in the county, if not the state, Council Rock.

She is denying them the same salary schedule as Council Rock where teachers with 12 years or more experience are making over $100,000 per year.

She is denying them the same working conditions that have proven successful, year after year, as Council Rock continues to excel academically.

If this contract is good enough for Council Rock, it should be good enough for Neshaminy.

I ask Ms. Boyd to reconsider and allow the NFT membership to decide their future."

Do you agree with Webb's statement? Let us know what you think in the comments.