NFT to vote on Board's final offer

Last night the Board and NFT spoke for more than six (6) hours, mostly in face-to-face talks. This was perhaps the most productive negotiation session ever.

As discussions concluded, there were about a half dozen issues that the two sides remained apart on, including equal say and past practice. Towards the end of the meeting the Board confirmed its final offer, which is modeled after the Council Rock CBA.

As a part of this offer, fulltime teachers at the lower end of the salary matrix (Bachelors plus 12 credits) will receive no less than a $6,121 (14.38%) increase over the next year, while most max level teachers will see an $8,402 (8.76%) boost in their base pay.

Some teachers in the middle of the salary matrix will earn a significantly higher pay hike. There are more than 75 teachers who will receive an increase greater than $20,000.

The average increase for all teachers for the next 12 months will be 17.81%.

Under the current Neshaminy CBA, the maximum base salary is $95,923. Upon ratification of the “Council Rock” proposal, the new maximum base salary will jump to $104,325, and it will increase to $107,469 by the end of the 3-year contract.

Before departing last night, state mediator William Gross informed the Board that the NFT would bring the final offer before the rank and file teachers for a vote.

If the offer is approved by NFT membership, the Board will release the details of its proposal to the public for review and comment. The Board will then vote on the proposal at a public meeting.

If the offer is not approved by NFT membership, the Board will withdraw the “Council Rock” proposal.

Board President Ritchie Webb said, “The fate of these negotiations now rests solely with the NFT. The decision to end this impasse is in their hands. The Board has given the teachers a fair and generous contract proposal, and it all comes down to how union leaders present the offer to the rank and file.”

No further talks between the two sides are scheduled at this point.