Highlights of the Expired Contract

The Neshaminy Board of School Directors respects and values the excellent work and effort put forward by its certified teaching staff. We believe that Neshaminy teachers should be well compensated and provided substantial benefits in return. But the plain fact is that the current salary structure is one of the most expensive in all of Bucks County; in addition, the recently expired contract provides many benefits that no other District in the County provides. It is important to note that the certified teaching staff may continue to work under the terms of the expired contract indefinitely until a new contract is in place.

1. 
   
   According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, Neshaminy had the second-highest paid teaching staff in the State in 2006-07 among 727 local educational institutions. Neshaminy’s average salary was $81,816.
   
   
   
2. 
   
   The Neshaminy salary structure has fewer steps than any other District in Bucks County – this represents the amount of time before a teacher reaches maximum salary. Plus, Neshaminy is one of only four Districts that pays a longevity bonus. When combined with the current salary schedule, Neshaminy pays its teachers more than they would earn in any other Bucks County District except Council Rock, which is a much wealthier District.
   
   
   
3. 
   
   Neshaminy is the only District in Bucks County where teachers do not contribute toward their health care premiums. Neshaminy also has one of the most expensive plans, including a "single source" prescription drug provision costing over $1 million annually, which no other District has had since the 1990s.
   
   
   
4. 
   
   Neshaminy has the most generous and most expensive retirement package in Bucks County by far. No other District offers the combination of a significant cash incentive plus a fully paid benefits package until age 65.
   
   
   
5. 
   
   Neshaminy teachers work fewer hours per year than any other District in Bucks County.
   
   
   
6. 
   
   Neshaminy is the only District in Bucks County where teachers get automatic salary credit for graduate-level courses that are not part of a formal Master's Degree program.
   
   
   
7. 
   
   No District in Bucks County provides more total excused absence / personal leave days than Neshaminy.
   
   
   

We believe it is unfair to expect our taxpayers to continue to support salary and benefit levels that are so far out of the norm compared to surrounding Districts.