Montville Teachers, BOE Reach 'Tentative Agreement'

After more than a year of negotiating, the Montville Township Education Association (MTEA) and have reached a tentative agreement on a new contract, according to a union representative.

New Jersey Education Association Field Representative Vickie Walsh, who is representing the MTEA, said the parties met through the night from Aug. 30 through Aug. 31 and at the conclusion of the meeting reached the agreement. However, the salary guide included in the new contract has not yet been established and as such, Walsh said the details of the contract are not able to be discussed publicly.

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Paul Fried was not immediately available for comment.

The members of the MTEA, who include teachers, secretaries, custodians and more, have been working under an expired contract for one year.

Walsh said the percentages relating to salary increases were agreed upon, but the salary guides themselves have not yet been ratified. The parties will not have to meet again for ratification though, as Walsh said the guides can be exchanged electronically.

In July, at the Montville BOE office on River Road holding up signs urging both parties to settle. A during the July meeting, but the parties agreed to come together again at the end of August.

Walsh praised the Montville BOE for what she described as a much more cooperative and friendly negotiating process than in years past.

"I think that both parties are actually happy that we've reached an agreement and we think it's the right thing for all concerned," Walsh said.

Board President Karen Cortellino also said the negotiating process has been respectful.

"Throughout, the negotiations were professional, respectful and friendly.  The board is pleased a tentative agreement has been reached," she said.

Patch will have updates on this story.