Neshaminy Teachers, School District Agree to Continue Talks After Latest Bargaining Session Focuses on Prescription Coverage

LANGHORNE, Pa., Dec. 2, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- Following their first negotiating session in two months, Neshaminy teachers and school district officials agreed to return to the bargaining table next week and press ahead with efforts to reach a new contract.

Negotiating teams for the Neshaminy Federation of Teachers and the Neshaminy School District met for over three hours Thursday evening. During that session the two sides listened to presentations by representatives from prescription drug services.

"While we didn't achieve any breakthroughs tonight, this was our first meeting since late September," said NFT President Louise Boyd. "If we are to build any momentum toward agreement, it is important for us to continue meeting and address our differences. We won't find the common ground that leads to compromise unless we search for it together -- face-to-face, across the bargaining table."

Teachers have twice amended their contract proposals in an effort to find an acceptable compromise. They renewed their call for the school district to respond with new proposals of its own. "Compromise is a process in which both sides must participate," Boyd said, noting that the district has not offered any significant changes to its proposals since talks began.

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

"Teachers want an agreement," Boyd said. "The way to reach that goal is to continue meeting across the bargaining table. If we work together in good faith, we will make progress toward a contract that is fair to both sides and that ensures Neshaminy students continue to receive the great education they and their families have come to expect." Negotiators for the teachers and the school district agreed to meet again on Dec. 9.

With talks resuming, the Neshaminy teachers have launched a new website to expand opportunities for community discussion and involvement in local education issues.

At the new Neshaminy Federation of Teachers website -- www.NFTcommunity.com -- community residents will be able to get information on the progress of negotiations and view videos of teachers, parents and students discussing the importance of high-quality education for children and our community. Local community members will have a chance 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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