By Linda Seida, Special Writer
LAMBERTVILLE — Recently completed contract negotiations will give Lambertville Public School teachers a 2-percent raise while the teachers have agreed to changes in their healthcare benefits, including a higher co-pay for physician visits.
The Board of Education last week voted 8-0 to approve the contract, with Vice President Janine MacGregor absent.
Ms. MacGregor, who was part of the school board’s negotiating team, was chaperoning a school trip to Washington, D.C., and the bus failed to return in time for the vote, according to President Grant Miller.
The teacher’s union, which represents 19 teachers at LPS, ratified the contract several weeks ago, Mr. Miller said.
Although contract negotiations around New Jersey often make the news for their rancor, this time the process is notable for its harmony.
”It was truly an amicable process, even though it was a negotiation and you’re sitting on different sides of the table,” Mr. Miller said. “There were times I felt we were on the same side of the table.”
The final session was even followed by some hugs” and expressions of thanks, Mr. Miller said. He added the school board is “applauding the teachers’ dedication and professionalism.”
The three-year contract begins July 1 and runs through June 30, 2014.
Each year of the contract calls for a 2-percent raise, costing the district about $24,000 each year, according to Business Administrator Donna Tolley.
This school year and last, teachers raises were 4.4 percent.
At the same time, teachers will contribute 1.5 percent of their salaries toward healthcare benefit costs, per state regulations.
Teachers agreed to exchange a health insurance plan with a $10 co-pay for one that increases the co-pay to $15. The changes will save the district about $21,000, Mr. Miller said.
In addition, a longtime savings will be achieved because of another health insurance change for teachers hired after July 1.
The district will still pay 100 percent of the premium for teachers, but the district will cover the premium for dependents only at 75 percent, with teachers contributing 25 percent.
