Hillsborough Teachers, Supporters Urge BOE To Settle Contract

HILLSBOROUGH, NJ — With the new school year approaching, Hillsborough teachers, staff and supporters spoke out at the recent Board of Education meeting pleading for a contract settlement.

The teacher contract with the district expired on June 30 after five months of negotiations and six meetings between the Hillsborough Education Association (HEA) and Hillsborough Township Board of Education (HBOE). Both sides were unable to reach a contract settlement on April 1.

Amy Salinger, a teacher at Auten Road Intermediate School, pointed out how teachers each year have to pay out of pocket for supplies for their classrooms.

"The reality is for years teachers and support staff are spending their own money to perform their job," Salinger said at the July 22 HBOE meeting. "That's not sustainable or appropriate."

Henry Goodhue of the HEA also accused the board of spending money on attorney's fees and "unnecessarily dragging out negotiations."

A mediator has been appointed by the state's Public Employment Relations Commission to handle upcoming negotiations.

The first day of school is set for Sept. 5 for students.

• See Related: Hillsborough Teachers, School Unable To Reach Contract Settlement

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