School Board Presents NFT with 'Gut' Issues

In the 42 negotiation session, the Neshaminy School Board presented the Neshaminy Federation of Teachers a list of 15 "gut" issues, along with the board’s bottom line with respect to each issue.

School Board President Ritchie Webb noted that among these issues were retirement incentives, 15 percent healthcare contributions and equal say.

The board indicated to the mediator, who shuttled back and forth between the parties, "with unmistakable emphasis that they would not move beyond the bottom line on any of the issues as expressed."

According to an NFT press release about the meeting, that while the number of issues addressed represents just a fraction of what the board previously offered in writing, they were conveyed in a manner that "regrettably suggests that the district is unwilling to engage in good-faith negotiations over these critical items."

The school board had . Prior to Tuesday's meeting, the board forwarded a copy of that contract to the NFT.

After consideration, the NFT advised the board throught the mediator that they were not prepared to respond that night to that contract or the "gut" issues," Webb said. The union told the board it would do so at the next meeting, which is scheduled for July 18.

In addition, at Tuesday's meeting, the NFT requested negotiations be held every day in the month of August, including Saturdays and Sundays, starting at 10 a.m. Webb said that the board rejected the proposed meeting dates stating that board members are volunteers and receive no compensation, and they must work during the day.

The board did request at the to meet August 8, 15, 29 and 30. These dates were agreed to by both parties, with starting times of 6 p.m.