School board to vote twice on teachers’ contract

Posted by Rich Schwartzman on May 22, 2013

Unionville-Chadds Ford School District directors ratified a tentative teachers’ contract during their May 20 meeting — and will do so again on June 10. The 7-2 vote came four days after the teachers overwhelmingly approved the plan.

The reason for the second vote — to be held during the next work session — is because of a language change regarding the work schedule. Part of the agreement changes two half-days to full days of instruction. That change is not reflected in the current wording, according to Director Frank Murphy.

The school calendar must also be amended to reflect that change.

Voting against the contract were Directors Keith Knauss and Jeff Hellrung of Region A. They held fast to their previously reported opinion that while the contract is good, it isn’t good enough.

Knauss and Hellrung wrote a letter to the editor, published last week, saying their primary concern was over the elimination of an opt-out clause in the health plan in two years.

Teachers with families can now opt out of the health plan and go with a spouse’s plan. There are currently 43 teachers who do that and they receive an extra $3,200 to do so. However, if those teachers come back into the U-CF plan, it will cost the district another $600,000 per year because the plan costs the district $15,000 per family.

Other directors spoke favorably, especially over how smoothly the negotiations went.

“I want to congratulate everyone for a job well done,” said Director Holly Manzone. “I’m delighted with how well it all worked out.”

Teachers, too, were pleased with the deal.

Unionville-Chadds Ford Education Association President Pat Clark said union members voted “overwhelmingly” to ratify the contract. He said the reason for the overwhelming reactions reflects economic reality.

“I think our teachers have a spirit of cooperation and understand that while [the economy] isn’t as bad as it used to be, things aren’t where they should be yet,” he said. “So, we were willing to compromise and the board was willing to compromise and we got a deal done.”

That deal is for two years with no raises the first year. However, all teachers will get a $900 bonus in year one and higher tiered teachers will get another $1,100 bonus in the second year. Others will get a raise in the second year based the number of graduate credits they have and the number of years in the district.

Other business

• The May 20 meeting was the last regular meeting for Murphy who is stepping down effective June 17. He is running for supervisor in Chadds Ford Township. Fellow Director Kathy Do expressed appreciation for Murphy’s professionalism, despite their philosophical differences.

Do said: “While we might have significant philosophical differences…I have come to recognize that Frank cares deeply about the district and all its constituents, from taxpayers to the teachers to the children. I found him to be thoughtful, very easy to work with even when we disagree and an asset to this board.” (See photo.)

• The board voted to approve an advertising contract with Horizon Services on the new scoreboard at the football stadium. It’s a three-year deal that will pay for the scoreboard. It also leaves space for other advertisers.

“It’s a new stream of revenue,” said Vic Dupuis.

• Hillendale Elementary School Principal Steve Dissinger announced the receipt of a $5,000 grant to be applied to rectifying the stormwater runoff problem at the school.

• The board is scheduled to vote on a 2013-2014 budget during its next regular monthly meeting set for 7:30 p.m. on Monday, June 17, in the LGI at Unionville High School.

About Rich Schwartzman

Rich Schwartzman has been reporting on events in the greater Chadds Ford area since September 2001 when he became the founding editor of The Chadds Ford Post. In April 2009 he became managing editor of ChaddsFordLive. He is also an award-winning photographer.