The mediation session scheduled between the Berkeley Heights Education Association and the Board of Education is scheduled for January 29th – the only date the two groups could agree to meet.  Their goal for the mediation is to reach a final agreement on the new contract.

Salary is the only point of contention left between the two sides.  

The two sides are not allowed to discuss publicly the details of their current situation, but the most recent meeting in October “included the overall percentage increase in salaries for each segment of the bargaining unit, which includes teachers, paraprofessionals, interpreters, nurses and secretaries in the district,” according to Board Vice President and Chairperson of the Negotiations Committee Bill Casano.

Casano further elaborated that it did not include the distribution of the salary increase across the salary guide.  He pointed out that this is not unusual.  

In a statement issued after that October meeting, President of the Union Pam Wilczynski said “The BHEA members were encouraged by the tentative agreement reached on October 10 after a long and protracted process.  But this latest dispute over the distribution of the funds that were fairly negotiated is a slap in the face of the exceptional BHEA members that help Berkeley Heights Public Schools stand out as one of NJ’s best school districts. ”

According to Wylczysnki, salary guides are in place to reward the loyalty and dedication of teachers and other staff who have chosen to stay in the district throughout their careers.  

Both sides expect to settle the issue in the upcoming mediation session.