To give the school board an opportunity to bring contract negotiations to a "just conclusion," East Meadow Teachers Association (EMTA) President Roellyn Armstrong stood before a battalion of teachers and residents at the Jan. 27 board meeting and called for a "cooling off period," to extend to the end of winter recess, Feb. 28.

During this time, she announced, teachers would refrain from wearing black clothing, would not wear buttons, distribute leaflets throughout the community, or picket anywhere in the district. "We do this in the hope of allowing the school board to reconsider its position in a meaningful attempt to reach a settlement," Armstrong said.

The collective bargaining process between the teachers association and the district has recently gone to fact finding, or neutral party review. Certain to be mentioned in the fact finder's non-binding report is the recent increase in the East Meadow school district's employee health insurance costs.

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Robert Dillon informed residents of this increase in a letter mailed to residents' homes last month. According to Dr. Dillon, this marks the largest increase in employee health insurance costs for the district since 1992.

"It is never an easy task for our district to absorb an increase in expenses," stated Dr. Dillon. "East Meadow has limited financial resources, due largely to the fact that we lack a considerable commercial base. We will do everything we can to wrestle with this added burden so as not to severely impact our taxpayers."

"In the past, we have absorbed health insurance cost increases," stated Assistant Superintendent for Finance and Administration Leon Campo, "however, this is becoming more difficult."

No mention was made of the insurance cost increase by either Dr. Dillon or EMTA at last Thursday's board meeting.

The board boasts a proposed salary increase of 3%, as well as improved disability benefits and increased life insurance (both paid for by the district), a retirement incentive package, increased bonus buyout payments for health insurance, and an enhanced Worker's Compensation Managed Care program. EMTA is not impressed.

Currently, East Meadow's median salary ranks 46th out of 51 districts surveyed in Nassau County, with the number one ranking being the district with the highest median salary. "We love our school district," said Parent Teacher Association President Deborah Coates, "but we need a fair and equitable contract yesterday."

At a recent meeting of the newly formed East Meadow Teacher Residents Association (EMTRA), issues that were raised included the district's purported diminishing ability to attract and retain qualified teachers, as well as concerns about a reduced quality of life in the community due to the district's low standing. EMTRA is currently preparing letters informing residents of their right, under the Freedom of Information Act, to request information about how their school taxes are being spent. Their next meeting is Feb. 7.

Copies of the fact finders report can be made available by calling the East Meadow Superintendent's office at 228-5200.