Huntington Teachers, Board Agree on Contract

Teachers and the Huntington school board have agreed on a contract, with negotiations hinting at possibility that full-day kindergarten could eventually be restored. 

There are no promises.  

But both teachers union president James Graber and superintendent James W. Polansky referred to the possibility at Monday’s meeting while discussing the contract agreement.

  “One of the biggest pieces is a hard freeze for 2014-2015 that saves over $800,000,” Graber said. “It’s our understanding that this could help to bring back the kindergarten teachers.”

There’s “No definite deal to return to full day kindergarten due to uncertainties related to future non-discretionary costs (e.g., pension), but there will be an effort to move towards the return if the fiscal conditions permit,” Polansky said.

 “We are pleased to have reached an agreement that makes sense during a financially challenging time and one that will allow us to continue to focus our attention as a district on important educational matters impacting our students, staff and community.”

Citing budget problems, the school board voted in 2011 to cut kindergarten to half days, angering parents who scrambled for alternatives.  

  “We’re seeing the consequences of half-day kindergarten,” Graber said. “Kids are not prepared” for the demands of state testing. With full-day kindergarten, “all kids will have opportunities and be better prepared.” 

 The retroactive agreement extends from July 1, 2011 through June 30, 2017.

 The contract was discussed at the public hearing on the 2013-2014 budget, which comes up for public vote Tuesday.