Teachers in 2d S.J. district agree to wage freeze

The teachers in a second South Jersey school district have tentatively agreed to take a wage freeze in the coming school year, according to information released by the district's superintendent Thursday.

The Southampton Township Education Association and the school board reached a tentative agreement that calls for the district's 87 teachers to take no raise next year, according to Superintendent Michael L. Harris. The year after that, the teachers would get a 2.75 percent raise but contribute 1.5 percent of their salary for health benefits.

Harris noted that the teachers' last contract expired June 30.

"Our teaching staff has gone above and beyond the call of duty this year," he said in a written statement, also noting the teachers' professionalism during the process.

Teachers in Florence Township also have agreed to a wage freeze.

The Southampton contract requires ratification by the board and teachers. Votes are expected by mid-May.

Gov. Christie has called on teachers and other school staff to freeze wages and pay a 1.5 percent health-care share to help lessen the impact of a projected $819 million drop in school formula aid. Few teacher union locals have agreed to a freeze.

Southampton has been told its total state aid will be reduced by more than $600,000 in the coming year, Harris said. Formula aid alone will be cut by nearly $587,000, a 24 percent reduction. The district has proposed eliminating three teaching positions, scrapping two enrichment programs, and not buying new textbooks or new technology.