United Teachers of Northport
Contract NEGOTIATIONS
Update # 4
Monday, March 15, 2010

The UTN Negotiations Team would like to take this opportunity to thank our members for their overwhelming support over the past week, a week which, at best, was very difficult and trying for all UTN members. As the old expression goes, “What does not kill us, will make us stronger.” With that being said, it is crucial now, more than ever before, that we stand together in unity and solidarity. Both collectively and individually, we must support our members through this time of uncertainty.

Over the next few weeks, there will be a great many opportunities for our members to increase their awareness of the budget process, as well as the implications and ramifications of the proposed cuts to staff and program. The Board of Education will be meeting this evening at 7:30 p.m. in the High School Cafeteria and again next Monday, March 22nd and Wednesday, April 14th to discuss the proposed budget. Additionally, the UTN Officers and Negotiations Team will hold a General Membership Meeting on Monday, March 22nd at 3:30 p.m. in the High School Large Cafeteria.

While it is imperative that you avail yourselves of these opportunities to be a part of the process, and to maintain professional dialogue with colleagues, it is equally important that we not allow discussions to impede our classroom instruction.

Negotiations will continue this afternoon as representatives from both the Union and District meet at 3:30 in the High School. We look forward to reporting the progress of that session in our next Negotiations Update.