Seems like only yesterday

Here we go again with the Middletown Township Education Association contract negotiations.

For many Middletown school parents and residents, it must seem like only yesterday that the last contract was settled in dramatic fashion. The settlement finally came after several nail-biting days of a teachers’ strike and a string of court appearances at the start of the school year.

Like last time, the two sides have agreed to bring in a state mediator to try to reach an agreement before schools reopen.

All we can do is sit back and watch and hope that the Board of Education and the MTEA are willing to work together to come up with a suitable compromise.

As would be expected, the current sticking points are salary increases and teacher contributions to health-benefit premiums, according to MTEA President Diane Swaim.

At the same time, she expresses hope that a fair settlement will be reached as soon as possible for the 980-member union. Also on the bright side, she notes the tone of the negotiations has been pleasant.

District officials aren’t commenting but are also committed to a speedy and fair settlement.

Let’s hope that negotiations remain pleasant and also in earnest, because certainly no one wants to go through another teachers’ strike.