The public refusal of FLEA teachers (Franlin Lakes Education Association), to attend the annual fundraiser for FLEF (Franklin Lakes Education Foundation), highlights the tension in many communities as state aid cuts and rising insurance benefits meet a depressed economy and over taxed residents.
As described in an article posted on NorthJersey.com , FLEA’s public refusal to participate in the foundation fundraiser was based on the hope of garnering greater support for their negotiations with the board of ed.
The teachers in Franklin Lakes have been without a contract for the present school year, but the economic realities facing NJ have created a more difficult environment for reaching an accord. The NJEA is engaged in a major battle with Governor Chris Christie as he seeks to find billions of dollars needed to prevent a major tax increase on residents. His rival in the NJEA, Vincent Giordano, has already made clear the union ready and willing to dip into the nearly $100 million in dues collected each year to get their message before the public.
Most analysts agree the dramatic rise in schools costs are driven by salaries, with a special emphasis on pension and health benefits. Many NJ workers across the board saw insurance spikes over 25% in the past year, and some are attributing this latest rise to insurance company fears that legislation may soon cut into their profits.
On March 4th the New Jersey School Board Association advised members to exercise patience in negotiations as state and federal legislation may provide new bargaining tools as school districts seek to reign in costs. The NJSBA has also compiled data that shows the dramatic impact the current economic depression has had on the national and regional economy. Significant rises in unemployment and foreclosures has been met with salary decreases and higher benefit contributions in the private sector.
Schools across the nation got their annual report cards recently, and New Jersey came out in the top five – potentially tied for third depending on how you crunch the numbers. The accompanying graph provides a break down for 8th grade math, and other customized comparisons can be found at http://nces.ed.gov/nationsreportcard/statecomparisons/.
School Costs Comparison- click to enlarge
School Grades Comparision - click to enlarge