Neshaminy Teachers Carefully Optimistic Following Productive Two Hour Meeting With District Negotiators

LANGHORNE, Pa., Dec. 9, 2010 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Neshaminy Federation of Teachers (NFT) and the Neshaminy School District engaged in a two-hour negotiation session this evening that resulted in what NFT leadership described as beneficial to both parties.

"I think we made some substantive progress this evening," said NFT President Louise Boyd. "We had a detailed and intelligent discussion regarding the prescription plan proposals that were made by Future Scripts and Express Scripts at our last meeting on December 2nd; and we also discussed wages, retroactivity and potential implications of Act 1.  No decisions or commitments were made by either side but we made some genuine progress this evening and that is a good sign," Boyd said.

While cautiously optimistic, Boyd said that for the first time in nearly two-and-one-half years, both parties began to discuss the other party's position and respective proposals saying, "We made some progress tonight.  Nothing monumental but it's a good start," Boyd said.  "We discussed the relative positions of both parties in a context in which they can be more effectively analyzed and addressed.  And that sets the stage for further discussions so we can begin to find solutions that are fair and equitable, and make sense for the taxpayers, students, certified staff and administration."

Both sides agreed to meet again on December 28.

Neshaminy teachers are working under a contract that expired two-and-one-half years ago.

"Our certified staff wants an agreement," Boyd said. "As I stated last week, we think that goal is reachable if we just talk to one another across the bargaining table. Tonight was a step in that direction and we look forward to our next bargaining session right after the holiday."

With talks underway, the Neshaminy teachers have launched a new website to expand opportunities for community discussion and involvement in local educational issues. At the new Neshaminy Federation of Teachers website -- www.NFTcommunity.com -- community residents are able to get information on the progress of negotiations and can view videos of teachers, parents and students discussing the importance of high-quality education for children and our entire community. Local community members will have the opportunity to make their voices heard through online petitions, e-mails, and links to school and state officials.

SOURCE The Neshaminy Federation of Teachers

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