Chatham Teachers To Get 3.2 Percent Annual Raise In New Contract

CHATHAM, NJ - Barring complications with the Chatham Education Association (CEA) a new deal is in place which gives Chatham teachers a 3.2 percent average annual salary increase over a four-year period.

The School District of the Chatham Board of Education ratified a memorandum of agreement Monday night with a 5-0 vote. Board members Michael Valenti and Sal Arnuk were absent. Board member Michelle Clark abstained.

Board Finance Chairman Matthew Gilfillan said it took significant work by all parties who took the time to evaluate healthcare plans and help find ways to save money.

"We were able to come to an agreement that stays within the principles of our two percent tax levy increase," Gilfillan said. "This will pass our memorandum agreement that will deliver over the next four years an average salary increase of 3.2 percent."

Gilfillan noted that this contract is a departure from the previous contract in that it has a four year duration rather than three.

"We believe it is a fair agreement, " Gilfillan said.

The contract agreement is pending approval by a vote of the Chatham Education Association, otherwise there is no agreement, according to Superintendent Michael LaSusa.

"It takes two to tango," he said.

You can see the complete exchange at around the 45 minute mark of the video below.

The CEA represents secretaries, paraprofessionals, district technology, custodians and maintenance. The agreement is retroactive to July 1 and runs through June 30, 2023.

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