Employee Contract Factsheets - Bethlehem CSD, Delmar, NY

• The district would save $600,000 in 2009-10 through a series of union concessions. These include: A deferral of the cost-of-living salary increase for four months (Increase effective January 2010 instead of September 2009); fringe benefit savings associated with the salary increase deferral; and a moratorium on sabbaticals and professional development stipends and a freeze on coaching salaries.

Retirement Incentive

• The tentative deal also includes a $20,000 retirement incentive for the years 2009-10 and 2010-11 designed to save the district money through replacing teachers on the upper end of the salary schedule with those at entry level.

2010-11 Salary Increase Deferral

• In 2010-11, the negotiated 2.75 percent cost-of-living increase will be deferred three months (until December 2010), costing the district $258,000 less than if the increase were effective in September 2010.

Additional 2010-11 Provisions

• Additional 2010-11 Provisions would save $142,000 compared to the existing contract. These include: Fringe benefit reductions related to the salary increase deferral; funding for professional development stipends at less than current levels; funding for one sabbatical for the entire membership (compared to two currently); and a continuation of the coaching salary freeze.

About 2011-12

• The third and final year of the contract calls for a 2 percent cost-of-living increase. This will, however, be tied to inflationary rates, giving both parties some confidence that three years out the contract will reflect economic conditions at the time.

4-year agreement, 2006-2010

Salary

• Average of 3.23 percent per year, plus “step” increases

• First-year teacher with Master's Degree salary - $41,782

Health Insurance Concessions

• Total projected savings from health insurance concessions: $607,550

• Employee contributions for individual coverage increases to 10 percent

• Family Plan: Employee contributions increase first to 15 percent, then to 20 percent by the third year of the contract

• Doctor’s visit co-pays and prescription co-pays increased.

Highlights

• Productivity: Increase in instructional time (1 extra day for MS/HS students in 2007-08 and 1 extra instructional day for all students in 2008-09); Teachers also contribute an extra hour per month toward improving instruction (continuous improvement).

• While Bethlehem is among the most affluent districts in the Capital Region and its academic results were recently ranked No. 1 in the Capital Region in the Albany Business Review, the median teacher salary in the district ($52,694) ranks 24th.

• Health Insurance Committee: As part of this contract agreement, the employee association and the district agreed to form a Health Insurance Committee to explore potential cost-containment measures in this area. This has led to tangible results — a reduction of projected health insurance costs of $210,250 in the 2008-09 budget.

[top of page]