Cherry Hill Schools, Union Reach Agreement On Contract

CHERRY HILL, NJ — The Cherry Hill Public School District and the teachers' union have reached an agreement on a deal that will see union members get a 3.26 percent salary increase next year, the district announced.

The Cherry Hill Education Association (CHEA) ratified the agreement on June 19, and the Cherry Hill Public School District’s Board of Education ratified the agreement on June 23. This is the second straight agreement that has been settled prior to the expiration of the existing contract.

In addition to the salary increase for the 2020-21 school year, union members will get up to four days of accumulated unused sick days in any one school year to care for an ill family member.

The continuation of union member employees’ maximum out-of-pocket insurance contribution of $9,000, as applies to the State mandated/required contribution, will continue. There is also a caveat that should any legislation be adopted to amend healthcare insurance coverage options and/or contributions for unit members, the parties may reopen negotiations on this sole issue for the 2020-21 school year.

“Additionally, the board and CHEA mutually agree to meet and develop language for the creation of a sick leave bank to become effective in the 2021-22 school year,” Cherry Hill Superintendent of Schools Dr. Joseph Meloche said in a statement. “I would like to thank CHEA President Mr. Steve Redfearn, Board President Mrs. Lisa Saidel, Director of Human Resources Nancy Adrian, and the members of the Board of Education Negotiations Committee: Mr. Eric Goodwin, Mrs. Laurie Neary, Mrs. Carol Matlack and Mrs. Lisa Saidel for their work in reaching this agreement.”