NMBOE "Optimistic" About Negotiations Process

The New Milford Board of Education has begun the collective bargaining process with its teachers union to negotiate a new contract. Board members and the district business administrator said at Tuesday night's Board of Education meeting that they were very optimistic about this year's process.

"We have begun the collective bargaining process and the atmosphere has changed," said Michael Sawicz, the business administrator for the district. "We are moving forward and we are really partners in education."

NMBOE President Dan Conner said he felt good about the initial meeting. "It was a very good meeting for us and the climate seems very different from previous years which is a testament to their group and us," said Conner. "I think we will get through this in a quick manner."

"We understand the economic times and the realities  out there," said Sawicz. "The most important people are our students but we have a responsibility to the taxpayers and I hope to have some good news in the next few weeks."

Darren Drake, a BOE trustee, also said he looks forward to it being a "quick and efficient process."