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Saturday, April 17, 2010

Teachers in 2d S.J. district agree to wage freeze | Philadelphia Inquirer | 04/16/2010

Teachers in 2d S.J. district agree to wage freeze | Philadelphia Inquirer | 04/16/2010

Teachers in 2d S.J. district agree to wage freeze

The teachers in a second South Jersey school district have tentatively agreed to take a wage freeze in the coming school year, according to information released by the district's superintendent Thursday.
The Southampton Township Education Association and the school board reached a tentative agreement that calls for the district's 87 teachers to take no raise next year, according to Superintendent Michael L. Harris. The year after that, the teachers would get a 2.75 percent raise but contribute 1.5 percent of their salary for health benefits.
Harris noted that the teachers' last contract expired June 30.
"Our teaching staff has gone above and beyond the call of duty this year," he said in a written statement, also noting the teachers' professionalism during the process.
Teachers in Florence Township also have agreed to a wage freeze.
The Southampton contract requires ratification by the board and teachers. Votes are expected by mid-May.
Gov. Christie has called on teachers and other school staff to freeze wages and pay a 1.5 percent health-care


Camden mayor appoints 3 to school board

Camden Mayor Dana L. Redd announced her first three appointments to the city's school board Thursday. They are current member Kathryn Blackshear; Sean M. Brown, a Rutgers University-Camden student and community activist; and Raymond L. Lamboy, head of the local Latin American Economic Development Association. They were nominated by a steering committee.