On June 26, The Rye City School District Board of Education and the Rye Teachers Association (RTA) announced an agreement on a new two-year contract, effective July 1.
By Sarah Varney
On June 26, The Rye City School District Board of Education and the Rye Teachers Association (RTA) announced an agreement on a new two-year contract, effective July 1. The agreement keeps 2013-2014 salaries flat and includes a 1.5% increase beginning February 2015. Teachers and retirees will increase their contributions for health insurance, and the number of buyouts and amounts paid for those who waive health coverage will be reduced.
The RTA also agreed to freeze “step” salary increases for the first seven months of each year of the two-year contract. Under United Federation of Teachers provisions, salary increments are based on a “step” system under which teachers’ pay increases are based on longevity and education level.
School Board President Laura Slack credited both sides for coming to an agreement, “which was good for the District, faculty, and community at-large.
The speed with which the agreement was reached was markedly different from the previous 2007-2010 battle over the teachers’ contract. This year’s budget cuts of $2.3 million and general economic uncertainty contributed to the short process this time around. Slack also indicated that the tax cap makes it vital for the Board to slow the rate of spending.
She also expressed her gratitude to the leadership of the RTA for enacting the changes in the agreement, which will expire in July of 2015. The Board must now reach separate contract agreements with groups representing the administrators, aides and assistants, custodians, and secretary/clerical/nursing/computer aide employees.
