BC News

Discussions on reopening teachers contract conclude

Release Date: March 6, 2009  

As the global fiscal crisis, and its implications for New York, unfolded over the last several months, Bethlehem Central and its teachers union took a step believed to be unprecedented statewide this year by holding discussions about reopening the teachers’ existing contract.

Those talks have now concluded, with the district and the Bethlehem Central Teachers Association unable to reach an agreement on modifications to the current contract, which runs until the end of next school year.

“We said all along that there was no guarantee that we would reach a deal,” Superintendent Michael Tebbano said. “Yet, we felt it was worth it to come to the table for focused preliminary conversations to see if we could find any accommodations that would figure positively into next year’s budget planning. Teachers in Bethlehem are extraordinarily talented and dedicated, and I commend the association for being a leader statewide and participating in these talks.”

The existing four-year contract was approved in September 2006 and expires at the end of July 2010. 
The district and the BCTA are expected to open negotiations for the next contract in the middle of next school year.

 

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