Glen Cove School District, Teacher’s Association Agree to New Pact

Editor's Note: The following was submitted by the Glen Cove School District.

The Glen Cove School District has reached a new agreement with the Glen Cove Teachers Association through June 2016 that compensates instructional staff members fairly and helps sustain the district’s present and future fiscal health.

“After close to three years of collective bargaining, we are please to have reached an agreement that is acceptable to both sides,” said Glen Cove Superintendent of Schools Maria Rianna. “During the budget development process, the Board of Education and administration had to make some tough choices to maintain a quality educational program and uphold our fiscal responsibility to the Glen Cove taxpayers. This agreement will allow us to preserve opportunities for students while addressing the cost-of-living needs of our teachers. On behalf of the Board of Education, I commend the GCTA leadership for their cooperation throughout this process. It is because of their commitment to the children of this community that concessions were made.”

Through the duration of the 2013-14 school year (which ends June 30, 2014), teachers will receive a salary increase of 1.5%, pro-rated from May 1, 2014. This amounts to a 0.3% increase for the entire 2013-14 school year. Full-time GCTA unit members who have been employed since the beginning of the school year also agree to a two-month freeze of their applicable incremental step increase, running through the remainder of the school year.  

For the 2014-15 school year, teachers will receive a 1% increase in salary and one-half of their applicable incremental step increase. The same 1% salary and one-half incremental step increases will apply for the 2015-16 school year, with the new agreement expiring on June 30, 2016.

All other wage rates (non-full-time GCTA members) and stipends will remain frozen through the remainder of the current school year. Beginning in July 2014, all other wages and stipends will increase by 1% for the 2014-15 school year. A 1% increase will also be applied to these wages and stipends for the 2015-16 school year. 

Provisions are also included in the new pact that set the number of hours for professional development time, ensure eligibility for the New York State retirement incentive and uphold priority status for excessed teachers wishing to return to the district. The agreement also includes a stipulation that governs the eligibility of health insurance opt-out payments. 

“This is a good compromise, taking into consideration the economic times and knowing how challenging it is for school districts to maintain programs under the tax levy cap,” said GCTA President Karen Ferguson. “The GCTA values the support of the Glen Cove community, appreciates the collaboration of the Board of Education and administration, and recognizes the importance of a fair agreement for all.”