At the recently concluded negotiating session on April 28, it was the goal of the Plainedge Federation of Teachers (PFT) to reach an equitable settlement through the process of compromise.

The school board has continuously outlined the financial plight of the Plainedge School District. The board has often requested that the PFT contribute to the financial well-being of the district by taking a wage freeze. In the spirit of resolving this intolerable situation, the PFT compromised its long-held position by agreeing to a one-year wage freeze. However, despite this significant movement by the Federation, the board walked out after saying that a one-year freeze wasn't enough. They said they must have a two-year freeze.

Dr. Lang, the superconciliator, has announced that conciliation has failed. The board's position of a two-year wage freeze led to the failure of the conciliation process.

We have been and still are willing to continue negotiations. If you are concerned about your school district, your property values and your children's education, contact your board members and urge them to resolve this contract dispute in a timely and equitable manner.

Pauline Weissman

President

Plainedge Federation of Teachers