Do You Agreee with Terms of Teacher Union MoA? [Poll]

The United Teachers of Northport and the Northport Board of Education released the details of their agreement earlier this week. The MoA is attached as a PDF.

Among the terms:

• A hard freeze in year one, with no salary increase and no increment; and no salary increase but increments in years two through four.

• A cash payment schedule (not compoundable, not cumulative) of $1,500 for the second year, $1,650 for the third year, and $1,800 for the fourth year for teachers at step 20.

• Three additional steps for the Teaching Assistants schedule, from five steps to eight steps by the end of the four years.

• An additional contribution of one percent each year to health insurance: teachers will be required to contribute an amount equal to 19 percent effective July 1, 2011, 20 percent as of July 1, 2012, and 21 percent as of June 30, 2014. Teaching assistants will contribute 15 percent, 16 percent and 17 percent for the same time period.

The MOA also notes: "It is understood that the Professional Development Fund will continue to be reduced by $25,000 annually to defray the cost of releasing the President of the Union from his/her teaching and non-instructional duties."

Jim Maloney, who was elected to the BOE on Tuesday, said he feels the agreement is fair to all sides. "I'm excited to have this put to bed. This is one less distraction for the community and education staff to deal with."

Do you agree with the terms of the MoA? Vote in our poll and tell us why or why not in the comment section.