BOE, MTEA Negotiations at a Standstill

Negotiations between the and the Montville Township Education Association (MTEA) are at a standstill, albeit a “respectful” and “professional” one, according to representatives from both sides at Tuesday’s Board of Education meeting.

According to Board Vice President Matthew Kayne, a state-appointed mediator will join the negotiations after the two sides mutually decided to declare an impasse at their last meeting.

“We believe that this will permit the board and the MTEA to get to the true issues we must resolve and will allow us to reach a respectfully mutual agreement,” Kayne said. “We want to provide them with competitive salaries, benefits and working agreements. However, the board also recognizes its responsibility to the parents and children of district to be economically prudent and as fiscally responsible as possible.”

Representatives from the board of education and the MTEA recognized that negotiations have been quite diplomatic so far, but also recognized the need for intervention.

“The negotiation was very professional, respectful and, frankly, friendly,” Board of Education President Karen Cortellino said. “Sometimes, two sides just need help in reaching a compromise and I think that’s where we are now.”

Added Tony Varuolo, president of the MTEA, “It seems like, based on statements that both (Dr. Cortellino) and Dr. Kayne made, we have a similar prospective of the atmosphere of the negotiations. Where we’re at now is not necessarily a bad thing. Sometimes you need that nudge from a third party to get things done.”