Morris District teachers, board reach tentative contract

Morris District School Board Vice President Nancy Bangiola. Photo by Marie Pfeifer
Morris District School Board Vice President Nancy Bangiola. Photo by Marie Pfeifer
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A tentative contract with teachers in the Morris School District was reached early on Tuesday, district board member Nancy Bangiola said.

The agreement, which must be ratified by the teachers’ union, was hammered out by negotiators after a six-hour session that ended around 1 am, said Bangiola, who led the board’s side.

“I feel great about it. Our relationship with our staff is very important to us. We’re really proud of them, and want them to feel secure and supported. I feel this contract achieves that goal,” said Bangiola, who is an attorney.

Morris District School Board Vice President Nancy Bangiola. Photo by Marie Pfeifer
Morris School District board member Nancy Bangiola, pictured in 2012. Photo by Marie Pfeifer

The 750-member Education Association of Morris has been without a contract since July, when its last three-year deal expired.

Deirdre Falk, who represents TEAM, could not be reached for comment on Tuesday evening.

TEAM includes teachers, teacher assistants, secretaries, custodians, maintenance people, bus drivers and some food services workers, at 10 schools.

Bangiola said she was legally prohibited from discussing details of the pact prior to its approval. But she expressed optimism at Tuesday night’s school board meeting, describing district employees as “the best in Morris County.”

In September the two sides declared an impasse and filed to meet with a mediator.

The Morris School District serves approximately 5,200 students from Morristown, Morris Township and (high school only) Morris Plains.

 

 

 

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