Report: Taxpayers Have Spent $223K on Teacher Contract Talks

The Saucon Valley School Board’s legal representation in the ongoing teacher contract negotiations–talks that have lasted more than three years–has cost district taxpayers $223,961, according to an article published Wednesday by the Express-Times.

In the article, school board attorney/chief negotiator Jeffrey Sultanik blames teachers for dragging out the expensive negotiations; a stalling tactic he said has benefited them financially by keeping their health care costs the same as under their old contract–which expired in June 2012–while other district employees have begun to pay higher premiums and deductibles.

Click here to read the full story, which comes a day after Sultanik fired back at Saucon Valley Education Association chief negotiator Rich Simononis for what he called a “disingenuous” press release about the negotiations.

Further reading:

• SVEA Releases ‘Facts on the Saucon Valley Contract Negotiation
• SVSB Attorney: Teacher Contract ‘Does Not Appear to Be Remotely Achievable in the Foreseeable Future’
• School Board Narrowly Votes Down Teacher Contract Offer Extension