BY MATTHEW SCHNEIDER
STAFF WRITER |
THE RIDGEWOOD NEWS
RIDGEWOOD – Strong words were spoken at Monday’s Board of Education (BOE) meeting, as members of the Ridgewood Education Association (REA) continued to request a contract agreement they deem fair.
A number of parents spoke on behalf of the teachers, some of them noting the effect that the educators have had on their children.
Resident Jennifer Rupprecht extolled the virtues of the educators, saying that her classified son “has flourished under the guidance of these teachers” while also noting that he made honor roll as a result of their help.
She explained at the March 7 meeting that she moved to Ridgewood in order to get the best education for her children, regardless of the taxes, and said the teachers should get paid according to their value.
“They’re worth it,” Rupprecht told the BOE. “I can’t thank these people enough.
“I trust you to take care of the people who are taking care of our children and the whole future of our town.”
Resident Marlene Burton said she “fully” supports the teachers in their quest for a settlement.
“The anguish they are experiencing, being without a contract for 12 months, is in full display,” she said. “It is imperative that an agreement be reached soon.”
Not all the speakers were upset with the BOE, however.
Resident and former BOE member Bob Hutton spoke up in defense of the group, reminding the members that they took an oath to uphold the laws of New Jersey when they were sworn into their positions.
“Within litigation and so forth, those laws are the guidelines you have to live by,” he said.
https://www.northjersey.com/news/education/contract-negotiations-continue-1.1526321
The REA is not negotiating in good faith, they are hostile and unfair
Is Jennifer Rupprecht the same Jennifer Rupprecht that teaches in Ridgefield?
I guess its’ no secret Marlene Burton also has an agenda.
Stay the course, nothing more than 2%
No reduction in mandated contributions.
I think Mad Mary scared the bejeezuz out of the BoE trustees….
Is Mary a teacher?
Shouldn’t we discount to at least some extent the comments of Ridgewood residents who are NJEA members employed other districts? They are perfectly motivated to lobby in favor of their fellow union members in a one-hand-washes-the-other fashion.
Exactly 3:28, the comments from NJEA members who live in Ridgewood are motivated by different interests than those of all Ridgewood taxpayers.
Did Jennifer Rupprecht disclose and identify the fact that she’s a teacher and a member of the NJEA? Normally people disclose these conflicts of interest before making such comments which will affect all taxpayers, not just teachers.
Nothing about the REA demands are “fair”, nothing