Ridgewood Teachers May Refuse To Advise Student Clubs, Cut Workday Board Of Ed. Warns

RIDGEWOOD, N.J. — Village teachers and staff members may choose not to act as club advisers, chaperone field trips, and only work seven-and-a-half-hour days, the Board of Education warned parents Wednesday.

Officials warned parents that village teachers could take those steps due to them starting the school year without a new contract — the second consecutive year that has happened.

Administrators will inform parents if teachers or staff members refuse to chaperone events.

Parents have offered to take over supervising some clubs and field trips, but some events and activities may not be for "insurance and personal liability reasons," the board stated in the letter.

Teachers and staff may choose to only work the minimally-contracted number they are bound to — seven-and-a-half hours. Because of this, administrators asked parents to drop off and pick up students at the following times:

• Elementary schools
  • Drop off: Not before 8:35 a.m.
  • Pick up: 3 p.m.
• Middle schools
  
  • Drop off: Not before 7:45 a.m.
  • Pick up: 2:55 p.m.
• High school
  • Drop off: 7:40 a.m.
  • Pick up: 3:15 p.m.

Michael Yannone, REA president, could not be reached for comment

Teachers, administrators, and the other members of the Ridgewood Education Association have worked more than 400 days without a new contract. The previous contract expired in June 2015.

The union and district made some progress towards agreeing to a new contract during a 10-hour negotiating session Tuesday, but could not resolve the dispute. Salaries and health insurance premiums continue to be points of contention.

The sides are scheduled to meet with a state-appointed super conciliator Monday at 6:30 p.m.

Email: daniel.hubbard@patch.com

Related: Despite 'Progress,' No New Contract For Ridgewood Teachers Union

Related: Contract Between Ridgewood Board Of Ed., Union Remains Unsettled

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