NILES Teachers, school board agree on one-year pact

The deal calls for the creation of a retirement incentive bonus.
By SHERRI L. SHAULIS
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
NILES -- The teachers union reached a one-year deal with the financially struggling school district Monday after what Superintendent Patrick N. Guliano called "one of the best negotiating sessions we've ever had."
The agreement essentially extends the pact through Aug. 28, 2004, with some additions, including the creation of an insurance committee and a retirement incentive bonus.
Guliano and John E. Mahoney, president-elect of the Niles Classroom Teachers' Association, said the bargaining sessions between the sides began June 6, and proceeded smoothly.
"Everybody did their homework" before the sessions, Guliano said.
With the new pact, Mahoney and Guliano will each appoint three people to an insurance committee, designed to meet throughout the year and find one plan to cover the employees. Guliano said currently the district's plan offers an HMO and a traditional plan, with 100 percent of the premiums costs covered by the district. The committee will work to blend the plans into one plan in time for the start of the 2004-05 school year, he said.
Retirement incentive
The deal also establishes a retirement incentive bonus, which offers $15,000 to eligible teachers who announce their intent to retire either July 1 or Aug. 1, 2004.
The plan takes effect provided at least eight union members provide their written intent to retire to the board between Jan. 1 and March 15, 2004. Guliano said between 30-35 teachers in the district are eligible to take advantage of the bonus.
Those who qualify would receive a $5,000 payment by Oct. 31, 2005, and the remaining $10,000 by Oct. 31, 2006.
"Where it helps the board is with the five-year planning," Guliano said. "Where it helps the employees is that they don't get hit with taxes against the whole sum at once."
Union drops charge
As part of the deal, union members -- which number more than 200 -- agreed to drop an unfair labor practice charge against the board and to withdraw a grievance against the district. The complaints centered around the boards decision in April to not renew several contracts as well as to lay off instructors as a way to cut costs.
Niles City School District was placed on fiscal watch earlier this year by the state when state budget cuts put the district more than $2.4 million in debt.
Guliano said the union's acceptance of the agreement shows the teachers are willing to help the schools during tough financial times.
"This shows the NCTA doesn't want to be a part of the problem, but part of the solution to our fiscal problems."
The deal between the teachers and the board takes effect Aug. 29.
slshaulis@vindy.com