Many NJ Teachers Head Back To School With A Smaller Pay Raise, Or No Contract
TRENTON, NJ (CBS) - A quick look at the labor situation for teachers in New Jersey shows a couple interesting trends. New contracts are costing less and more districts are about to start the new school year without an accord in place.
The New Jersey School Boards Association notes that the statewide average for teacher pay hikes this term is 3.2 percent. But those starting new deals now are averaging just 2.1 percent, according to Association spokesman Frank Belluscio.
"I think this is indicative of the economy, indicative of the resources available in the communities and the willingness of the teachers to realize and agree to the economic situation that we're all facing," Belluscio says.
But more than 200 of the state's 590 districts are still negotiating contracts, including 44 in our area. Belluscio admits that's higher than the norm, but says many are coming off one year deals and believes those numbers will come down in the next few months. They'll remain on the job since, by law, teachers cannot strike in New Jersey.
Reported by David Madden, KYW Newsradio 1060
