>Regarding the teachers benefits for health care plan, transition to a managed care plan likewise known as a HMO, will be made by the end of 2009. Back in March of 2009, an agreement concession for a transition grace period was made by the State Health Benefits Commission and the NJEA, for active and retired teachers. The concession will allow them to delay moving into the cheaper managed care health care plan Horizon Blue Cross PPO, from their more expensive plan, until the end of this year 2009. About time, join the rest of us.
Past reference news article..
https://www.nj.com/news/
index.ssf/2009/03/corzine_lets_states_largest_te.html
Your suggestion for a freeze on salaries, should be given consideration, even though our BOE acknowledges the state of the economic recession, they made no concessions this year with regard to salary increases. Its beyond comprehension of what justifies, (aside it being tenure) why many of our Kindergarten to 8th grade teachers salary ranges are $100,000.00. For example, Travell, K-8 has 2 each @ $102,000.; 1 @ $106,000.; 1 @ $90,000.(Kindergarten); Somerville K-8 has 2 each @ $102,000.; Hawes K-8 has 5 @ $102,000.; and 1 Kindergarten @ $102,000.
With all due respect, acknowledging the fact, many teachers have Masters degrees, you have to ask what Do You Really learn in Kindergarten that requires a public paid teacher at this substantial sum $102,000.? In this respect, the tenure system has lead to overqualified and overpaid positions which was intended to be a Public system and not a private system. In the private business world, when one reaches a “salary ceiling” for a position, they are considered overqualified and overcompensated for further raises.
On the proposed $48 Million Budget, everyone should look at this spreadsheet of costs projected over the next 25 years, on the boe site, with regard to the yearly school percentage tax rate, it increases within a couple years, and does not stay at the $37.47 per $100,000 assessed value. Proceed with caution.
