New Teacher Contract Approved

Members of the unanimously approved the negotiated three-year contract with the Westwood Education Association last week.

According to Superintendent Geoffrey Zoeller, the new contract provides for a 2.5 percent pay increase for teachers each year for the three years it's in effect, from July 1, 2011 to June 30, 2014. He said because of the givebacks for benefits, it equates to a 6 percent increase over three years for the teachers.

Zoeller added that because of a significant amount of language changes, some beneficial to the school board and some to the WEA, the increases are less than they appear.

"We see the overall package coming in significantly less than 6 percent because of some of the financial components of the language changes," Zoeller said. "Therefore we came in significantly below the county average even in these difficult times."

Westwood education officials said they're unsure exactly how the new pension and health care reform legislation approved last month will effect district employees. Zoeller said the changes wouldn't cost the school board or taxpayers any additional money, but it would cost employees money out of their paychecks. He said there are many variables to determine how much money each employee must contribute, including salary and years of service.

WEA President Barry Albert said he was happy with the way negotiations went. He added that through research he found the last time the association and the board settled a contract before one expired was in the 1980s.

"This was a great accomplishment, especially since the negotiations were so well tempered," Albert said. "I thought both sides came to the table ready to talk and compromise, especially because of the conflict and legislation coming our way."

Albert said the WEA had "an overwhelmingly successful ratification."

Members of the school board unanimously approved the contract Thursday, the last day the previous contract was in effect. Board member Lee-Ann Schaadt was absent from the meeting.

The next Board of Education meeting is scheduled for July 28.