Citizens’ group helped craft Neshaminy’s teacher contract proposal
Far too often, taxpayers are kept in the dark when their school district engages in contract negotiations with the local teachers union. Both the union and the school board forget that taxpayers actually own the schools and have a right to know how their money is being spent.
The Neshaminy School District realizes the importance of taxpayers, and has formed a Citizens Contract Advisory Committee to be help craft the latest contract proposal to the Neshaminy Federation of Teachers.
The citizens’ group was called upon to help after negotiations between the board and the union broke down in mid-June, reports PhillyBurbs.com.
“I thought it was a good idea and I think we’d use (a similar committee) again if the need arises,” Board President Ritchie Webb told the news site.
The committee is comprised of “a nice cross section” of the community, including “senior citizens and some members with kids in the district,” Webb said.
Committee members serve anonymously, in order to protect members’ children from potential retaliation from union members, the site reports. That in itself is a sad commentary on union tactics, but at least the promise of anonymity allows citizens to get involved in the process.
Education Action Group believes Neshaminy’s citizens’ group should become a model for school districts across the nation.
It is essential that taxpayers and citizens be made aware of what’s being negotiated, both in terms of dollars spent and the impact on student academics.
In too many cases around the nation, local unions are refusing to accept minor contract concessions to help schools save money for student services. In other cases, foolish school boards are granting raises to teachers while cutting student services.
Perhaps this type of nonsense wouldn’t occur if citizens and the media were observing negotiations.
Citizens’ groups bring much needed sunlight into a process that is often very secretive and very political. By opening contract talks up for public inspection and input, there’s a much greater likelihood that the best interests of students and taxpayers will be served.
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