Contract Between
Netcong B/E-Morris
- and -
Netcong TA
* * *
07/01/2007 thru 06/30/2010


CategorySchool District
UnitCustodians, Teaching/Professional Staff

Contract Text Below
1
PREAMBLE


THIS AGREEMENT, entered into this 31st day of May, 2007 by and between the NETCONG TEACHERS' ASSOCIATION, INCORPORATED, hereinafter referred to as the "Association", and the BOARD OF EDUCATION OF THE BOROUGH OF NETCONG, MORRIS COUNTY, NEW JERSEY, hereinafter referred to as the "BOARD".



WITNESSETH:

WHEREAS, the parties have an obligation, pursuant to N. J. S. A. 34: 13A-1 et seq., to negotiate with respect to the terms and conditions of employment; and
WHEREAS, the parties have reached certain understandings, which they desire to confirm in this Agreement, be it
RESOLVED, in consideration of the following mutual covenants, it is hereby agreed as follows:

ARTICLE I
RECOGNITION
  1. The Board hereby recognizes the Association as the exclusive and sole
representative for collective negotiations concerning the terms and conditions of employment for all certified personnel whether under contract, on leave, on a per diem basis, employed or to be employed by the Board, including:
Classroom teachers, librarians, reading teachers, speech teachers, home instruction teachers, nurses, coaches, extra-curricular advisors, and custodians but excluding:
Secretaries, custodians working less that twenty and one-half (20 ½ ) hours per week bus drivers, attendance officers and clerks, guidance directors, principals, aides and head custodians are to be excluded from the personnel for whom the Association is recognized as the exclusive and sole representative for collective negotiations with reluctance on the part of the Association, and only until such time as the Public Employment Relations Commission rules that such personnel should, in fact, be so represented by the Association, if such a ruling is made by the Commission.
It is further recognized that teachers and other personnel have the right to join, or to refrain from joining, any organization for their professional or economic improvement and for the advancement of public education, but that membership in any organization shall not be required as a condition of employment of a teacher in the schools of the district.
  1. Unless otherwise indicated, the term "teachers" when used hereinafter in this
Agreement, shall refer to all professional employees represented by the Association in the negotiating unit as above defined, and reference to male teachers shall include female teachers.
ARTICLE II
GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE
A. Definitions
1. Grievance
          A "grievance" is a claim by an employee or the Association based upon the interpretation, application, or violation of this Agreement, policies or administrative decisions and practices affecting a teacher or a group of teachers.
2. Aggrieved person
          An "aggrieved person" is the person or persons or Association making the claim.
3. Party in interest
          A "party in interest" is the person or persons making the claim and any person including the Association or the Board, who might be required to take action or against whom action might be taken in order to resolve the claim.
B. Purpose
      The purpose of this procedure is to secure, at the lowest possible level, equitable solutions to the problems, which may from time to time arise affecting employees. Both parties agree that these proceedings will be kept as informal and confidential as may be appropriate at any level of the procedure.
C. Procedure
      1. The number of days at each level should be considered as a maximum and
        every effort should be made to expedite the process.
        1. In the event a grievance is filed at such time that it cannot be processed through all the steps in this grievance procedure by the end of the school year, the time limits set forth therein shall remain in effect until such grievance has been resolved.
3. A grievance, to be considered under this procedure, must be initiated in
        writing by the grievant within thirty (30) calendar days of the alleged
        occurrence.
4. Level I - An employee with a grievance shall first discuss it with his
        immediate superior, either directly or through the Association's designated
        representative, with the objective of resolving the matter informally.
      1. Level II - If the aggrieved person is not satisfied with the disposition of his grievance at Level I, or if no decision has been rendered within five (5) calendar days after presentation of the grievance, he may, within seven (7) calendar days file the grievance in writing to the Superintendent. The Superintendent shall render a decision, in writing, within ten (10) calendar days of receipt of the grievance. If, however, either the Superintendent or the grievant requests a meeting, such meeting shall be held within seven (7) calendar days of receipt of the grievance, and the Superintendent's decision shall be rendered within seven (7) days after the meeting.
      2. Level III - If the decision of the Superintendent does not resolve the grievance to the satisfaction of the grievant, he may within seven (7) calendar days file the grievance with the Board through the Board Secretary. The Superintendent shall be notified that the grievance has been forwarded to the Board level. The Board shall arrange a hearing within thirty (30) calendar days of receipt of the grievance and render a decision with (10) calendar days after the hearing.
      3. Level IV - If the decision of the Board does not resolve the grievance to the satisfaction of the grievant and the Association wishes review by a third party, the grievance must be submitted to arbitration. If arbitration is requested, the Association shall notify the Board in writing within ten (10) calendar days of the due date of the Board's decision.
      4. Level V -
      a) If the Association wishes to secure the services of an arbitrator, it shall
          request the American Arbitration Association to provide a list of arbitrators to settle the dispute. To be timely and effective, such request must be filed with the American Arbitration Association within twenty (20) calendar days after the notification referred to in section 7 above has been filed with the Board.
          b) Once a request is made to the American Arbitration Association, the parties shall be bound by its rules and regulations.
          c) The decision of the Arbitrator shall be submitted to the Board and the
Association and shall be final and binding on the parties.
    d) The cost of the services of the arbitrator shall be borne equally by the
    parties. Any other expense shall be paid by the party incurring the same.
D. Rights of Employees to Representation
      Any aggrieved person may be represented at all stages of the grievance procedure by himself, or, at his option, by representative (s) selected or approved by the Association. When an employee is represented by the Association, the Association shall have the right to be present and to state its views at all stages of the grievance procedure.
  1. Miscellaneous Provisions
    1. If, in the judgment of the Association, a grievance affects a group or a class of employees, the Association may submit such grievance in writing to the Superintendent and the processing of such grievance shall commence at Level II.
    2. The arbitrator shall not add to, subtract from, or modify this Agreement in any manner.
    3. Decisions rendered at all steps of the grievance procedure shall be in writing, setting forth the decision and the reasons therefore, and shall be transmitted promptly to all the parties in interest and to the Association.
    4. Reference to grievance processed shall not be placed in the personnel files of any employee unless complete documentation of the grievance is included and the employee involved has received prior written notice that said documents are to be placed in his file.
    5. Forms for filing grievances, serving notices, making appeals, reports, and recommendations, and other necessary documents shall be prepared jointly by the Association and the Board and given appropriate distribution so as to facilitate the operation of the grievance procedure.
    6. No meetings or hearings under this procedure shall be conducted in public and shall include only such parties in interest and their designated or selected representative (s) heretofore referred to in this Article.
    7. Neither the Association nor the Board shall issue public statements regarding such grievances during the grievance procedure.
ARTICLE III
SALARIES

  1. The salaries of all teachers covered by this agreement are set forth in Schedule A.
B. The salaries of all custodians covered by the Agreement are set forth in Schedule B.
C. Teachers employed on a ten (10) month basis shall be paid in twenty (20) equal semimonthly installments.
D. Teachers may individually elect to have a specified dollar amount of their monthly salary deducted from their pay. These funds shall be paid to the teacher on the final day of June or in two equal payments on the 15th of July and August. Summer pay deductions will be forwarded to TRI-CO Federal Credit Union directly by the Board Secretary within seven (7) school days of each pay date for all personnel who request this service.
E. When a payday falls on or during a school holiday, vacation, or weekend, teachers shall receive their paychecks on the last previous working day.
F. Teachers shall receive their final checks on the last working day in June, providing they have fulfilled all of their contractual obligations.
G. Tutorial services shall be voluntary on the part of the teachers. The rate for tutoring shall be thirty-five dollars ($35.00) per hour. Travel expenses incurred by the teachers, while in the process of performing tutorial services, will be awarded at the IRS rate per mile based on round trip mileage from school to destination. The Association and the Board both agree to continue working on language regarding the selection process for tutors.
H. Salary Guides, Schedule A, shall be developed by the Association to be approved by the Board prior to ratification by both parties. The Members of the Netcong Board of Education and the Netcong Teachers’ Association agree to jointly develop a salary guide for the next contract that can be mutually beneficial to address the bubbles. Both parties acknowledge that monies on any step may not apply to future guides.
I. The Association and the Board both agree to continue to develop language
regarding the mentoring program.
ARTICLE IV
SICK LEAVE
  1. Teachers shall be entitled to the following sick leave each school year. This shall include time needed to care for an ailing member of the teacher’s immediate family:
      1. Tenured teachers - twelve (12) days per school year.
      2. Non-tenured - ten (10) days per school year.
      3. Under the terms of this contract unused sick days shall be accumulated
      from year to year.
  2. Full time custodians shall be entitled to twelve (12) days per work year. Part time custodians working more that twenty and one-half (20 ½) hours per week shall be entitled to ten (10) days per work year on a prorated basis. Under the terms of this contract unused sick days shall be accumulated. This shall include time needed to care for an ailing member of the employee’s immediate family. During the first year of employment, the sick days will be available for use at a rate of one (1) day per month starting with the second day of employment.
  3. Employees shall be informed of the number of accumulated sick leave days once each school year (September 1).
  4. Conversion of unused Sick Leave as Severance Pay
      1. A teacher having been in the employ of the Board for ten (10) or more years shall be entitled to severance allowance for unused sick leave in accordance with the following procedures:
        1. Said teacher shall submit a written statement to the Superintendent of Schools indicating his intention to retire within the meaning of the Teachers Pension and Annuity Fund (excluding deferred retirement). Such statements shall be submitted at least six (6) months prior to the anticipated date of retirement. It is understood that such notice is required for budgetary reasons and that such notice does not constitute official notification of retirement/resignation.
        2. The Board shall pay the teacher his severance allowance in July of the
        fiscal year following said severance; or at the option of the employee, after
      January 1st of the year following his severance. Due to budgetary reasons,
      the cut off date for this proposal is December 31st for notification of
      retirement effective June 30th of the following year.
        1. In the event of an emergency or unexpected retirement, the Board shall pay the teacher his/her severance allowance in July of the fiscal year following said severance; or at the option of the employee, after January 1st of the year following his/her severance.
        2. Severance Allowance Upon Death of teacher
          1. Should a teacher die while in the employ of the school district, the severance allowance shall be paid to his estate within the provisions of Paragraph C 1 c. above.
          2. Should a teacher die after serving appropriate notification and before receiving his retirement allowance, the severance allowance shall be paid to the estate of the employee according to the terms indicated by the teacher prior to his death.
      1. The maximum amount payable as severance allowance shall be fifty percent (50%) of the accumulated sick leave days at a daily rate equal to the starting substitute rate at the time the application for retirement is filed.
E Any employee who is absent for more than five consecutive days for any reason of illness or injury shall, upon his return to work, present to the school nurse a doctor's certificate (if requested by the Administration) indicating the reason for absence and that the employee is well enough to return to full-time employment.
                  ARTICLE V
TEMPORARY LEAVES OF ABSENCE WITH PAY
A. Teachers’ Personal Days
      1. Three (3) personal days per year shall be granted to each teacher without reason.
      2. Unused personal days shall be cumulative up to a maximum of four (4) days. Unused personal days in excess of four (4) shall be converted to sick days on September 1st.
      3. Except in cases of emergency, personal days shall be applied for at least two days in advance on the prescribed form available in the general office, except that personal days on the working day preceding or following a school holiday shall be applied for at least two weeks in advance. In emergency situations teachers shall inform the District of their anticipated absence in the same manner as required for absence due to illness.
B. Custodians’ Personal Days
      Three (3) days personal business each year, effective after sixty (60) days of employment, accumulative up to four (4) days with the following stipulation:
          a) Single personal days must be requested a week in advance except for emergencies.
C. Bereavement Leave
      1. Up to five (5) days shall be granted in the case of the death of a member of the immediate family (parent, brother, sister, spouse, own children, grandparent, grandchild, mother/father-in-law) or of any relative who has lived in the home of the employee for some time immediately preceding death.
      2. Up to two (2) days shall be granted in the case of the death of son/daughter-in-law and brother/sister-in-law. Any additional days will be subject to the approval of the Superintendent.
      3. Up to one (1) day shall be granted in the case of a relative.
D. Teachers’ Professional Days
      Professional days may be granted for attendance at educational meetings or visitations with the permission of the Superintendent, if, in his opinion, such attendance is of value to the teacher or the district.
E. NJEA Convention
      Each teacher shall be granted up to two (2) days for the purpose of attending the NJEA convention.
F. Jury Duty
      An employee serving jury duty shall receive leave with pay for the duration of such service. The payment is regulated on the amount of money an employee earns per day minus the stipend issued by the county, state, or federal system. In reality, the employee would receive his/her full salary and reimburse the board for the amount received by the court system (excluding mileage).
G. Application for Temporary Leaves
      Application for teacher’s temporary leaves of absence (except Paragraph E above) shall be made to the Superintendent of Schools through the Principal on the prescribed form available in the principal’s office. Except in cases of emergency, two (2) days notice shall be required for such leave.
          ARTICLE VI
        EXTENDED LEAVE OF ABSENCE
  1. Child Rearing Leave Without Pay
      1. Natural Birth
    The Board shall grant a leave of absence under the following conditions:
          1. A teacher who is pregnant will file with the Superintendent of Schools, not later than three (3) months before the expected birth of the child, an application for such leave, together with a physician’s certificate setting forth the date of the expected birth. The application shall indicate the commencement date of the leave.
          2. Child rearing leave shall be limited to the school year in which the leave commences and the following school year, not to exceed a total of two (2) school years, it being understood that teachers shall return from child rearing leave at the beginning of a marking period.
          3. Any teacher who does not elect to take child rearing leave may continue to perform her duties when her physician certifies she is physically able to do so.
          4. No teacher on child rearing leave shall, on the basis of such leave, be denied the opportunity to substitute in the Netcong School System at substitute’s rate of pay.
      1. Teachers adopting a preschool child shall receive the same leave, which shall commence upon receiving custody of said child or earlier if necessary to fulfill the requirements for adoption.
      2. Male teachers shall be granted child-rearing leave in compliance with those
      procedures outlined in Section 1 above that are applicable.
  1. Illness in the Family
      A leave of absence without pay of up to one (1) year shall be granted for the purpose of caring for a sick member of the teacher’s immediate family (spouse, child, parents, grandparents, brother, sister) it being understood that teachers shall return from sick leave at the beginning of a marking period.
  2. The Board shall grant unpaid leaves of absences for up to one year for acceptable educational purposes (i.e., travel, study, or other good causes) upon application to and approval of the Board. At no time should more than two (2) teachers be eligible in one year. From September to June concurrent with the school year, not coupled with a maternity leave. Teacher may only request such leave once.
  3. Salary
    Upon return from leave granted pursuant to this Article, a teacher shall be placed on the salary guide in accordance with the following:
      Teachers leaving prior to the middle of the year (90 school days) shall be placed on the same step of the guide they were on at the commencement of the leave.
      Teachers leaving after the middle of the year shall be placed one step one step above the step of the guide they were on at the commencement of the leave.
      Additional credits or degrees earned while on leave shall be credited toward the salary guide placement upon return from said leave. Teachers on extended leaves shall not be eligible for tuition reimbursement while on leave.
E. Benefits
      All benefits to which a teacher was entitled at the time his leave of absence commenced, including unused accumulated sick leave, shall be restored to him upon his return, and he shall be returned to the same position which he held at the time said leave commenced, if available or, if not, to a substantially equivalent position.
F. Extensions and Renewals
      All extensions or renewals of leaves shall be applied for in writing. Approval or denial shall be in writing. Decisions approving or denying such requests for extensions or renewals are understood to be in the exercise of the Board's discretion.
                      ARTICLE VII
      INSURANCE PROTECTION
  1. The Board shall continue to provide each employee and dependents with full paid medical/surgical insurance protection, equal to or better than New Jersey State Health Benefits Plan to include medical/surgical and major medical coverage.
      1. For each teacher who remains in the employ of the Board for the full school year, the Board shall make payment of insurance premiums to provide insurance coverage for a full twelve (12) month period in accordance with the following schedule:
          The Board agrees to pay:
          1. One hundred percent (100%) of the cost of Major Medical Insurance.
          2. One hundred percent (100%) of the cost of a single, family, husband and wife, or parent-child medical/surgical coverage.
      2. As of July 1, 2007, all new hires will receive single Direct Access health benefits coverage at full cost to the Netcong Board of Education. New hires may elect dependent Direct Access health benefits coverage at a cost of 10% of said premiums to be the responsibility of the employee.
        Upon receipt of tenure (completion of three consecutive years and one day of employment in the district of the Netcong Board of Education), employees will remain in the Direct Access health benefits plan and receive full single and
        dependent coverage at no-cost to the employee.

      1. Financial incentives for employees who opt out either plan are as follows:
      Single: $1,500 Family: $2,700
      Husband/Wife $2,300 Parent/Child: $2,000
      Opt out will be qualified under IRS Code 125, to be paid as a stipend at the end of each school year. The employee could re-enter the program at anytime with a “change of life event”, such as a spouse’s loss of coverage, death, divorce, etc., as per IRS Code Section 125, and would receive pro-rated opt out remuneration at school end.
    • Except as provided below, the Board shall provide a full dental insurance plan providing full coverage for a plan equal to or better than the New Jersey Dental Plan III with orthodontic coverage (a description of the plan shall be attached to this Agreement for informational purposes only). As an exception to the above, effective upon the date this Agreement is executed, new hires shall be provided with employee only dental insurance at the expense of the Netcong Board of Education. Employees may opt to purchase dependent coverage of the district’s dental insurance subject to contributions equal to 100% of the dependent premium charged by the Dental Insurance carrier.
    • Only full-time employees shall be eligible for the benefits set forth in this Article VII. Full-time is defined as regularly employed for twenty and one-half (20 1/2) hours per week or more.



    ARTICLE VIII
    PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND EDUCATIONAL IMPROVEMENT

    1. The Board agrees to pay the full cost of tuition plus other entrance fees for any course (as per the tuition cap sited in Article VIII B3), workshop, seminars, in-service sessions, and other such sessions related to the teacher's subject area receiving prior written approval of the Superintendent. Travel expense shall be reimbursed at the prevailing IRS rate.
    2. *The Board shall reimburse employees for graduate course tuition and fees approved by the Superintendent in accordance with the following conditions:
        1. Reimbursement will be paid, according to the schedule in B. 3, only when one has completed a course, received and can show proof of a passing grade of "B" or better (or in the case of pass/fail courses toward a degree, a grade of "pass”). Courses taken during the second semester and/or summer session will be reimbursed early in the ensuing school year providing that person is still in the employ of the Board.
        2. The Board will not reimburse any teacher for courses which the teacher is taking in order to fill certification of undergraduate degree requirement.
        3. The Board will reimburse teachers who are taking graduate courses in their major field of ONE HUNDRED PERCENT (100%) of the William Paterson College tuition rate. When attending a Private College/University, tuition shall be reimbursed at the > of 100% of the William Patterson rate or 50% of the Private College/University tuition rate. The maximum payment under this article shall not exceed the annual tuition cap of professional teaching staff as set forth below:
                2007-2008 2008-2009 2009-2010
                $18,000 $18,900 19,845
        1. Approved undergraduate courses shall be reimbursed, according to the schedule in B. 3, only when such courses are not available on the graduate level.
        2. The Board, at its discretion, reimburses up to a maximum of One Hundred Dollars ($100) for educational travel.
        3. Application for tuition reimbursement shall be made to the Superintendent on the appropriate form prior to registration. Notification of approval or disapproval with reasons noted shall be given to the teacher prior to registration.
        4. In the pursuance of a master's degree in one's assigned subject area, those courses considered as general education shall be reimbursed provided these courses are required by the college or university for completion of degree requirements.
        5. Courses shall be in the teacher’s major field, related directly to the teacher’s assignment within the district, general education, or related to an area to which the employee may be assigned or other courses with prior approval of the Superintendent.
    1. The Board agrees to consult with the Association in arranging in-service courses, workshops, conferences, and programs designed to improve the quality of instruction. Payment for workshops attended during the summer (at the request or approval of the Board) shall be $60.00 for the initial four (4) hours duration or portion thereof. If a workshop exceeds four hours, teachers shall be compensated at a rate of fifteen dollars ($15.00) per each extending hour.


    *Language for the distribution of funds as determined and agreed upon by the Tuition Reimbursement Committee is attached to this contract.
    ARTICLE IX
    EMPLOYEE’S RIGHTS
    1. Required Meetings or Hearings
        Whenever any employee is required to appear before any administrator or supervisor, Board or any committee, member, representative, or agent thereof concerning any matter which could adversely affect the continuation of that employee in his office, position, or employment or the salary or any increment pertaining thereto, then he shall be given prior written notice of the reasons for such a meeting or hearing and shall be entitled to have representative (s) of the Association present to advise him and represent him during such meeting or hearing.
    2. Criticism of Teachers
        Any question or criticism by a supervisor, administrator, or Board member of a teacher and his instructional methodology shall be made in confidence and not in the presence of students, parents, or other public gatherings, subject to where a teacher exercises his/her right to public discussion.
    3. Custodians Probationary Period
      Custodians shall be on probation for sixty (60) calendar days during which time they can be released by the Board without the 30 day notice provided for in their employment contracts.
    ARTICLE X
    WORK YEAR AND WORK DAY

    A. Teacher Work Year
        1. The in-school work year for all teachers shall be one hundred and eighty-three (183) days. Day 1 will be for a faculty meeting/teacher orientation in the morning with time set aside in the afternoon for individual classroom preparation. Two days each year will be set aside for in-service.
                a. The K4 and K5 teachers attending Summer Orientation for two (2) hours per person will be paid at the current per hour tutorial rate (Reference Article IIIG Above)
        2. The in-school work year shall include days when pupils are in attendance, and any other day that teachers are required to be in attendance.
        3. Teachers shall be dismissed after a half-day session on the day preceding Thanksgiving and Christmas.
        4. The last day of school in June shall be half (1/2) day for students and teachers (12:37 dismissal). The two (2) days preceding the last day of school in June shall be half (1/2) day for students (12:37 dismissal) and full days for the teachers (2:49 dismissal).
        5. The school calendar for the next school year shall be published by the Board and distributed to each teacher within ten (10) days of official adoption.

    B. Teaching Hours and Teaching Load
        1. The work hours for all teachers shall be 8:20 a.m. to 3:02 p.m. (6 hours and 42 minutes).
        2. Five (5) additional minutes of pupil contact time, to be incorporated into the work day as follows: 8:20 am -3:02 pm Teachers
    8:25 am -2:49 pm Students
        1. All teachers shall receive a 40 minute duty free lunch period daily.
    4. Preparation Periods
            1. All teachers shall receive at least one (1) forty (40) minute preparation period per day or the equivalent of five (5) forty minute preparation periods per week.
            2. Teachers may be called from a scheduled preparation period in excess of those guaranteed in Section B. 3 (a) above to fill in for absent teachers up to ten (10) times per school year.
        5. Faculty Meetings
            Faculty meetings will be held once per month for one (1) hour's duration commencing at 2:50 p.m., in accordance with a schedule to be developed at the beginning of the school year. If necessary, an extra meeting in a month may be held for informational purposes only, if there are no in-service days scheduled that month, unless an emergency arises warranting the meeting. In addition, except in cases of emergency, faculty meetings shall not be scheduled for Fridays or days immediately preceding a holiday or vacation and teachers shall receive one (1) week prior notice of each faculty meeting agenda. Teachers shall have the opportunity to suggest items for the agenda.
        6. Morning and Dismissal Duty
            1. Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, teachers will not be required to supervise during those periods of time described as Morning and Dismissal Duty. It is also understood that should these duties be reinstated for any reason they will not be monitored by teachers.
            2. All teachers whose schedules permit shall perform a ten (10) minute morning patrol duty from 8:20 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. Said assignment shall be performed on a rotating basis with two (2) teachers performing said duty each day.
            3. All teachers whose schedules permit shall perform a ten (10) minute
            afternoon patrol duty from 2:49 p.m. to 2:59 p.m. Said assignment
            shall be performed on a rotating basis with two (2) teachers performing
            said duty each day.
        7. Parent Conferences
            1. Fall – one day/two night conference
            2. Spring - one day/two night conference

            DAY ONE
                School Session - 8:20 a.m. to 3:02 p.m.
                Evening Conference - 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
                DAY TWO
                School session- 8:20 a.m. to 12:37p.m.
                Afternoon Conference-1:30 pm to 4:00 pm
                Evening Conference – 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm

                LAST DAY OF CONFERENCE WEEK
            Teachers shall not be required to remain beyond their last conference nor shall they be required to attend evening sessions if they have no evening appointments or conferences. Dismissal for all teachers and students will be 12:37 pm on the last day of the conference week..
        8. Notwithstanding the matters set forth above, the Board retains the right to
        restructure the school day, subject to the following:
            1. Starting time shall be no earlier than 8:00 a.m. and no later than 8:20 a.m.
            2. Pupil contact time shall not be increased.
            3. The workday shall be six (6) hours, inclusive of a daily preparation period of forty (40) continuous minutes, exclusive of lunch.
            4. There shall be no change in existing morning or afternoon duties.
            5. If the existing forty (40) minute lunch period is reduced, the existing six hour forty – two (6 hour, 42) minute day shall be reduced by the same amount.
    C. Field Trips
        1. Teachers on field trips returning after the normal ending time of 3:02 p.m. shall be compensated at the rate of (thirty dollars) $30.00 per hour.
        2. Teachers who participate in the 7th or 8th grade overnight trips shall be compensated at the rate of three hundred dollars ($300.00) per trip.
    1. Custodial Work Year
        The custodial work year shall run from July 1st through June 30th of each year.
        Custodians shall be entitled to annual paid vacation as follows:
        After completion of the 1st year -----5 days
        After completion of the 2nd year ----10 days
        After completion of the 4th year ---- 15 days
        After completion of the 10th year ----20 days
            Selection of vacation shall be based upon seniority. Scheduling of vacation shall be subject to the approval of the administration.
        Professional days may be available at the discretion of the Chief School Administrator. Payment will be limited to registration fees and mileage fees at established IRS rate and wages for the employee’s normal work hours.
          Custodians are required to attend bi-annual “Hazardous Communication” training. Training will be given during the workday and custodians will be reimbursed for mileage expense incurred, as necessary, at the IRS rate.
        Custodians holding a Black Seal/Boilers Operator’s License are required to keep such licenses current at the expense of the Board of Education. A custodian who is physically able but fails to keep such licenses current may be subject to dismissal. Newly hired custodians (hired after June 30, 2007) wishing to obtain a Black Seal License shall have all expenses paid one time or will be reimbursed one time for expenses incurred to obtain such license up to a maximum of $400.
        Custodians/Employees required to obtain a CDL license as part of their employment with the Netcong Board of Education will be reimbursed for such expense incurred up to a maximum of $400. Custodian/Employees are required to keep such licenses current at the expense of the Board of Education.
    1. Custodial Work Day
      The workday for custodial employees shall be eight (8) hours, exclusive of a scheduled thirty (30) minute duty-free meal period (i.e. an eight (8) hour work day plus a thirty (30) minute duty-free meal period).



    1. Custodial Overtime
      Custodians shall receive time and one-half (1 ½) compensation based on their regular hourly rate for each hour or fraction of an hour actually worked in excess of forty (40) hours in a week. Overtime shall be distributed at the discretion of Administration on a rotating basis.
    1. Custodial Holidays
      Custodians shall receive the following holidays:
      New Year’s Day Labor Day *President’s Day
      Good Friday Thanksgiving *Friday after Thanksgiving
      Memorial Day Christmas Day
      Independence Day
      *Custodians will alternate days off requiring one custodian to work President’s Day and the other custodian to work the Friday following Thanksgiving.

      Custodians shall be released after working a half day on Christmas Eve. If a holiday falls on a Saturday, Sunday or during a personal vacation, the custodian will be granted one other day of his/her choice, subject to the approval of the Administration.
    1. Custodians Call Out
      Custodians call out shall continue in accordance with past practice.
      Custodians who are called in to work overtime in the event of an emergency or as determined by the Chief School Administrator shall be paid a minimum of one (1) hour at the rate on one and one-half (1 ½) times their hourly rate at a time not contiguous with their regular workday including holidays. This provision does not include snow or ice removal.
    Emergency Weather Conditions
      When school is closed due to emergency conditions, all Custodial Staff will report to work as soon as possible as determined by the Chief School Administrator and shall work an eight (8) hour shift unless the Superintendent abbreviates the shift. All work over the regular (8) shift shall be compensated according to federal and state overtime laws and regulations.
    1. Custodial Clothing Allowances
            During the term of this Agreement, all presently employed full-time custodians and any custodian subsequently employed full-time shall be entitled to steel-toe work shoes, at the cost of which shall not exceed one hundred twenty-five dollars ($125) per year. Said employees shall be reimbursed upon proof of purchase (receipt) or the district will order said pair of shoes from a district approved vendor.
            During the term of this Agreement, the Board shall provide full-time custodians, upon “permanent” hire, with three (3) work uniforms. Any custodian subsequently employed by the Board shall receive two (2) uniforms per year in succeeding years of employment. A uniform consists of a shirt and pair of slacks.
            During the term of this Agreement, the Board shall provide full-time custodians upon “permanent: hire with (1) cold weather parka.
            The Board shall supply the appropriate number of set(s) of rain gear to be stored at the school for use by the custodial staff and that which will remain the property of the Board of Education. (This is exclusive of the custodian’s cold weather parka.)



















    ARTICLE XI
    EXTRA CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

    Extra-curricular sponsors and coaches shall be compensated in accordance with the schedule cited below. Placement on this guide shall be made in accordance with the number of year's experience in the activity.
    2007/2008 1-3 yrs 4-6 yrs 7-9 yrs 10+yrs
    Band Director $1,432 $1,627 $2,016 $2,278
    Basketball (Boys) $1,432 $1,627 $2,016 $2,278
    Basketball (Girls) $1,432 $1,627 $2,016 $2,278
    Computer Club $1,432 $1,627 $2,016 $2,278
    Newspaper $130.00 per issue with a maximum of 5 issues.
    Student Council Advisor $1,432 $1,627 $2,016 $2,278

    2008/2009 1-3 yrs 4-6 yrs 7-9 yrs 10+yrs
    Band Director $1,496 $1,700 $2,107 $2,381
    Basketball (Boys) $1,496 $1,700 $2,107 $2,381 Basketball (Girls) $1,496 $1,700 $2,107 $2,381 Computer Club $1,496 $1,700 $2,107 $2,381 Newspaper $136 per issue with a maximum of 5 issues.
    Student Council Advisor $1,496 $1,700 $2,107 $2,381

    2009/2010 1-3 yrs 4-6 yrs 7-9 yrs 10+yrs
    Band Director $1,563 $1,777 $2,202 $2,488
    Basketball (Boys) $1,563 $1,777 $2,202 $2,488
    Basketball (Girls) $1,563 $1,777 $2,202 $2,488
    Computer Club $1,563 $1,777 $2,202 $2,488
    Newspaper $142.00 per issue with a maximum of 5 issues.
    Student Council Advisor $1,563 $1,777 $2,202 $2,488















    ARTICLE XII
    SCHOOL ASSEMBLY PROGRAMS

    Teachers shall be reimbursed by the Board for the costs of materials necessary for the production of school assembly programs. Said reimbursement shall be made within five (5) days after the Board meeting immediately following application for reimbursement. All expenditures must receive prior approval of the administration.
    ARTICLE XIII
    ASSOCIATION RIGHTS AND PRIVILEGES

    A. Use of School Building
        The Association shall have the right to use school facilities and equipment including typewriters, duplication equipment, calculating machines, and all types of audio-visual equipment at reasonable times when such equipment is not otherwise in use. Prior administrative approval must be obtained. All equipment must be used on the school grounds and at times that such usage will not interfere with normal central office and other administrative activities. The Association shall reimburse the Board for any damage of the above equipment and facilities due to negligence by an Association member in the course of Association business. The Association and the Board shall mutually agree that such damage occurred in the conducting of Association business by an Association member and was negligent in nature, it being understood that such agreement shall not be unreasonably withheld.
    B. Mail Facilities and Mail Boxes
        The Association shall have the right to use the inter-school mail facilities and school mail boxes. Prior administrative approval must be acquired.




        ARTICLE XIV
        REPRESENTATION FEE
    A. Representation Fee
        If an employee does not become a member of the Association during any membership year (i.e., from September 1 to the following August 31) which is covered in whole or in part by this Agreement, said employee will be required to pay a representation fee to the Association for that membership year. The purpose of this fee will be to offset the employee's per capita cost of service rendered by the Association as majority representative.
    B. Certification of Fee
        1. Amount
            Prior to the beginning of each membership year, the Association will notify the Board in writing of the amount of the regular membership dues, initiation fees and assessments charged by the Association to its own members for that membership year. The representation fee to be paid by non-members will be the maximum allowed by law.
        2. In order to adequately offset the per capita cost of services rendered by the Association as majority representative, the representation fee shall be equal to the maximum allowed by law (currently 85%) of the regular membership dues, initiation fees and assessments charged by the Association to its own members. If the law is changed with regard to the amount of the representation fee, then the representation fee will be changed to the maximum allowed by law.
    C. Deduction Procedure
    1. Notification
            Prior to November 1, of each year, the Association will submit to the Board a list of those employees who have not become members of the Association for the then current membership year. The Board shall deduct from the salaries of said employees, in accordance with section 2 below, the full amount of representation fee and promptly transmit the amount so deducted to the Association. The Board will provide the Association with a list by building of all new employees who are unit members.
        1. Payroll Deduction Schedule
            The Board will deduct the representation fee in equal installments, as nearly as possible, from the paychecks paid to each employee on the aforesaid list during the remainder of the membership year in question. The deductions will begin with the first paycheck paid:
            1. ten (10) days after receipt of the aforesaid list by the Board; or
            2. thirty (30) days after the employee begins his or her employment in the bargaining unit position, unless the employee previously served in a bargaining unit position and continued in the employ of the Board in a non-negotiating unit position or was on layoff, in which event the deductions will begin with the first paycheck ten (10) days after the resumption of the employee's employment in a negotiating unit position, whichever is later.

        1. Termination
            If any employee who is required to pay a representation fee terminates his or her employment with the Board before the Association has received the full amount of the representation fee to which it is entitled under this Article, the Board will deduct the unpaid portion of the fee from the last paycheck paid to said employee during the membership year in question.
        2. Mechanics of Deduction and Transmission of Fees
            Except as otherwise provided in this Article, the mechanics for the deduction of representation fees and the transmission of such fee to the Association will, as nearly as possible, be the same as those used for the deduction and transmission of regular membership dues to the Association.
        3. Changes
            The Association will notify the Board in writing of any changes in the list provided for in section 1 above and/or the amount of representation fee, and such changes will be reflected in any deductions made more than ten (10) days after the Board receives said notice.
    1. Indemnification and Save Harmless Provision
    1. Liability
            The Association agrees to indemnify and hold the Board harmless against any liability which may arise by reason of any action taken by the Board in complying with the provisions of this Article, provided that:
            1. the Board gives the Association timely notice in writing of any claim, demand, suit or other form of liability in regard to which it will seek to implement this paragraph; and
            2. if the Association so requests in writing, the Board will surrender to it full responsibility for the defense of such claim, demand, suit or other form of liability and will cooperate fully with the Association in gathering evidence, securing witnesses and in all other aspects of said defense.
    2. Exception
            It is expressly understood that section 1 above will not apply to any claim, demand, suit or other form of liability which may arise as a result of any type of willful misconduct by the Board or the Board's imperfect execution of the obligations imposed upon it by this Article.
    ARTICLE XV
    MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

    1. The Board and the Association agree that there shall be no discrimination on the basis of race, creed, color, sexual preference, religion, national origin, sex domicile, or marital status consistent with New Jersey and applicable U.S. statutes.
    2. This agreement incorporates the entire understanding of the parties on matters, which were or could have been the subject of negotiations. During the term of this Agreement, neither party shall be required to negotiate with respect to any matter whether or not covered by this Agreement and whether or not within the knowledge or contemplation of either or both of the parties at the time they negotiated or executed this Agreement.
    3. If any provision of this Agreement or any application of this Agreement to any employee or group of employees is held to be contrary to law, then such provision or application shall not be deemed valid and subsisting, except to the extent permitted by law, but all other provisions or applications shall continue in full force and effect.
    1. Any individual teacher contract between the Board and an individual, heretofore or hereafter executed during the term of this contract, shall be subject to and consistent with the terms and conditions of this Agreement. If an individual contract teacher contains any language inconsistent with this Agreement, this Agreement, during its duration, shall be controlling.
    2. Custodians shall continue the practice of executing annual employment contracts with the Board. Custodians shall not receive tenure.
    3. Except as this Agreement shall otherwise provide, all terms and conditions of employment applicable on the effective date or this Agreement to employees covered by this Agreement as established by the rules, regulations, and/or policies of the Board in force on said date, shall continue to be so applicable during the term of this Agreement. Unless otherwise provided in this Agreement, nothing contained herein shall be interpreted and/or applied so as to eliminate, reduce or otherwise detract from any employee benefit existing prior to its effective date.
    4. Whenever any notice is required to be given by either of the parties of this Agreement, either party shall do so at the following addresses:
        1. If by the Association, to the Office of the Superintendent, Netcong School District, 26 College Road, Netcong, NJ 07857.
        2. If by the Board, to the Association President, Netcong Public School, 26 College Road, Netcong, NJ 07857.
    5. The Board will provide a safe working environment in accordance with state and federal laws and regulations.
    6. Upon completion of the sixty (60) day probationary period, the Board shall provide custodians with uniforms.
    7. The Board shall reimburse custodians for the cost of renewing a black seal license and Asbestos Operation Certificate.



    ARTICLE XVI
    PRINTING OF AGREEMENT

    Copies of this Agreement shall be printed at the expense of the Board within thirty (30) days after official ratification by both parties. This Agreement shall be presented to all employees, now employed, and hereafter employed.
    ARTICLE XVII
    DURATION OF AGREEMENT

    This Agreement shall be effective as of July 1, 2007 and shall continue in effect through June 30, 2010 subject to the Association's right to negotiate over a successor agreement. This Agreement shall not be extended orally, and it is expressly understood that it shall expire on the date indicated, unless it is extended in writing.

    IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be signed by their respective secretaries and presidents, all on the day and year written below.


    NETCONG TEACHERS'
    ASSOCIATION INCORPORATED NETCONG BOARD OF EDUCATION


    By: _________________________ By: ________________________
    President President


    By: _________________________ By: ________________________
    Secretary Secretary


    Date ________________________


    LONGEVITY SCHEDULE

    2007-2008 2008-2009 2009-2010
    15-19 YEARS OF SERVICE $1,950 $2,000 $2,075

    20-24 YEARS OF SERVICE $2,126 $2,246 $2,346

    25-29+ YEARS OF SERVICE $2,350 $2,470 $2,597














    SCHEDULE B
    The Board shall determine the starting salary of all newly hired custodians.
    The salaries of the current custodians shall be as follows:
    DATE SALARY
    7-1-2007 $34,100.00
    7-1-2008 $35,634.00
    7-1-2009 $37,238.00
















    SALARY GUIDES

    BASE YEAR
    Netcong

    Salary Guide
    STEP
    BA
    BA+15
    MA/BA+30
    MA+15
    MA+30
    0
    41,127
    42,777
    44,427
    47,727
    50,127
    1
    41,427
    43,077
    44,727
    48,027
    50,427
    2
    41,727
    43,377
    45,027
    48,327
    50,727
    3
    42,027
    43,677
    45,327
    48,627
    51,027
    4
    42,677
    44,327
    45,977
    49,277
    51,677
    5
    43,427
    45,077
    46,727
    50,027
    52,427
    6
    44,387
    46,037
    47,687
    50,987
    53,387
    7
    45,357
    47,007
    48,657
    51,957
    54,357
    8
    46,417
    48,067
    49,717
    53,017
    55,417
    9
    47,892
    49,542
    51,192
    54,492
    56,892
    10
    50,662
    52,312
    53,962
    57,262
    59,662
    11
    53,682
    55,332
    56,982
    60,282
    62,682
    12
    56,952
    58,602
    60,252
    63,552
    65,952
    13
    60,472
    62,122
    63,772
    67,072
    69,472
    14
    64,242
    65,892
    67,542
    70,842
    73,242
    15
    68,262
    69,912
    71,562
    74,862
    77,262
    16
    72,532
    74,182
    75,832
    79,132
    81,532










    SALARY GUIDES

    BASE YEAR
    2008-2009 Netcong

    Salary Guide

    STEP
    BA
    BA+15
    MA/BA+30
    MA+15
    MA+30
    0
    42,232
    44,032
    45,832
    49,432
    51,532
    1
    42,532
    44,332
    46,132
    49,732
    51,832
    2
    42,832
    44,632
    46,432
    50,032
    52,132
    3
    43,132
    44,932
    46,732
    50,332
    52,432
    4
    44,107
    45,907
    47,707
    51,307
    53,407
    5
    45,132
    46,932
    48,732
    52,332
    54,432
    6
    46,207
    48,007
    49,807
    53,407
    55,507
    7
    47,332
    49,132
    50,932
    54,532
    56,632
    8
    48,482
    50,282
    52,082
    55,682
    57,782
    9
    50,032
    51,832
    53,632
    57,232
    59,332
    10
    52,782
    54,582
    56,382
    59,982
    62,082
    11
    55,782
    57,582
    59,382
    62,982
    65,082
    12
    59,032
    60,832
    62,632
    66,232
    68,332
    13
    62,532
    64,332
    66,132
    69,732
    71,832
    14
    66,282
    68,082
    69,882
    73,482
    75,582
    15
    70,282
    72,082
    73,882
    77,482
    79,582
    16
    74,532
    76,332
    78,132
    81,732
    83,832









    SALARY GUIDES

    BASE YEAR
    2009-2010 Netcong

    Salary Guide

    STEP
    BA
    BA+15
    MA/BA+30
    MA+15
    MA+30
    0
    44,982
    46,882
    48,782
    52,582
    54,482
    1
    45,282
    47,182
    49,082
    52,882
    54,782
    2
    45,582
    47,482
    49,382
    53,182
    55,082
    3
    45,882
    47,782
    49,682
    53,482
    55,382
    4
    46,047
    47,947
    49,847
    53,647
    55,547
    5
    46,597
    48,497
    50,397
    54,197
    56,097
    6
    47,397
    49,297
    51,197
    54,997
    56,897
    7
    48,297
    50,197
    52,097
    55,897
    57,797
    8
    49,912
    51,812
    53,712
    57,512
    59,412
    9
    52,102
    54,002
    55,902
    59,702
    61,602
    10
    54,992
    56,892
    58,792
    62,592
    64,492
    11
    58,082
    59,982
    61,882
    65,682
    67,582
    12
    61,372
    63,272
    65,172
    68,972
    70,872
    13
    64,862
    66,762
    68,662
    72,462
    74,362
    14
    68,552
    70,452
    72,352
    76,152
    78,052
    15
    72,442
    74,342
    76,242
    80,042
    81,942
    16
    76,532
    78,432
    80,332
    84,132
    86,032






    Netcong BE and Netcong TA 2007.pdf