Schools

Negotiations Begin on New Fort Lee Teacher Contract

The rate of salary increases for teachers is declining in Bergen County.

If recent agreements in Bergen County represent a trend, unionized Fort Lee Public Schools employees are likely looking at roughly a 2 percent salary increase with additional give-backs in health care costs.

The contract between the school board and the 400-plus union staff members of the Fort Lee School District expired April 30. In 2010, the board of eduation received a $3 million cut in state aid, prompting school officials to renegotiate the union deal mid-contract, hence the unique timetable.

The two sides discussed potential terms of a new deal for the first time on Monday. It's unclear how long negotiations – which are confidential – will last.

Find out what's happening in Fort Leewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

According to the New Jersey School Boards Association (NJSBA), the salary increases Bergen County teacher unions have received are in decline. The average settlements for Bergen County unions struck beginning in the 2013-2014 school year represents a 2.37 salary increase. In 2014-2015, that figure drops to 2.07 percent, below even the state average of 2.20 percent.

While the rate of salary increases has declined, teachers and associated staff are paying higher levels into healthcare premiums.

Find out what's happening in Fort Leewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The state law requires that public employees to pay into their healthcare plans based on salary scales, with a minimum contribution of 1.5 percent of salary. Most Fort Lee teachers began paying the increased contribution beginning in May when the previous contract expired.

Typically, districts begin negotiating six months prior to the end of the contract. Scheduling conflicts prevented that, school officials said. Teachers will work under the terms of the old deal – with the exception of state-mandated changes to healthcare payments – until a new deal is brokered.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here