Mediation will now be used in an attempt to settle issues related to Mahwah teachers’ contracts after the school district and union reached an impasse for the second year in a row. The union filed notice with the state that mediation is necessary. The first session with a state-appointed mediator occurred on September 17^th and the next session is scheduled for January 12^th.

Members of the union believe the district’s capital reserve of more than $6 million entitles them to more financial compensation than they have been offered so far in negotiations. They claim the money “sitting in an account somewhere” could help the county meet union demands. They don’t think it is fair there is money there, but they are still without a contract.

In addition to not meeting union demands, the district also reduce teaching positions this year based on declining enrollment.

The district claims there is an outstanding offer on the table that was made during negotiations this summer, and believes the contract offered is comparable to other high-performing school districts.

The union’s last contract that expired June 30^th provided several salary raises, including for teachers who worked in the district for at least 22 years after earning a bachelor’s degree and at least five credits toward a master’s degree. This brought their salaries to more than $95,000 annually. Teachers with 22 years of experience and master’s degrees with 60 additional credits received $112,420.

There is hope a settlement can be reached before the next mediation session in January, but there is concern talks could reach the “superconciliation” point, which means round-the-clock negotiations with a state official would take place.