Fact Finder To Try And Settle Ridgewood Teacher Dispute: Report

A state-appointed fact finder will try to settle a 10-month contract dispute between the Ridgewood Education Association and the Board of Education, The Record reported.

The issue of how much REA members must contribute to their health insurance premiums is one of the central issues, along with possible salary increases, of the ongoing negotiations, the report said.

The fact finder has scheduled an informal hearing Feb. 3. Each side will present what it pertinent information and two-and-a-half months later, the fact finder will issue a non-binding recommendation on how to settle the dispute, according to the report.

REA members pay an average of 26 percent of the cost of their health insurance premiums, which is simply too much, the report said.

“That’s the stumbling block,” said REA President Michael Yannone. “We’re willing to negotiate that — we know that’s going to cost us something, and so we’re willing to pay to get that … but right now the board is holding the line on that issue.”

The REA’s last contract expired June 30. That contract granted the REA’s 540 members a 2.75 percent annual raise.