Neshaminy Teachers Say It's Time for Both Sides to Get an Agreement Done as Contract Negotiations Continue

LANGHORNE, Pa., Dec. 9, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- As they prepared for their next negotiating session later today, Neshaminy teachers said it is time for both sides to move past the contentious sideshow of critics debating often irrelevant matters and concentrate instead on making progress in the talks.

Negotiating teams for the Neshaminy Federation of Teachers and the Neshaminy School District are scheduled to meet Thursday evening, following a session one week ago that addressed prescription drug services.

"With another year coming to an end, it is way past the time for us to get an agreement done," said NFT President Louise Boyd. "This is a distraction for parents, as their children prepare for state tests in the coming months. And it undermines the important work that teachers are doing every day in classrooms across the Neshaminy School District to make a difference for the children they teach."

Neshaminy teachers are working under a contract that expired two-and-one-half years ago.

"Teachers want an agreement," Boyd said. "And we think that goal is reachable if we can just talk to one another across the bargaining table. We need to work together to address a forward-looking agenda of what's best for the kids in Neshaminy schools -- not an agenda of old animosities dished up by bloggers and other commentators."

Both sides must engage on the issues at the bargaining table, Boyd said. "Teachers have repeatedly made it clear that we are prepared to bargain on any and all subjects -- including healthcare," she added.

"We need to devote our efforts to our mutual goal of reaching an agreement that will continue to make it possible for our students to receive the best education possible," she said.

SOURCE The Neshaminy Federation of Teachers