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Teachers press board for pay equity amid contact‑time negotiations
Summary
Multiple teachers told the board they are teaching six periods without extra pay and urged the board to negotiate in good faith to address the inequity; the board affirmed it will negotiate but deferred specific bargaining comments to counsel.
A string of public commenters Nov. 17 pressed the Hackensack Board of Education to resolve what they described as a persistent inequity in contact time compensation. Dozens of staff and HEA members said they currently teach six classes yet receive the same base pay as colleagues who teach five; they asked the board to recognize and fairly compensate the extra work during ongoing contract negotiations.
"For 17 years, I have taught 6 classes at HHS. While my colleagues with the same job title have only taught 5 for the same money," teacher Victoria Arvizu said, describing the situation as an "unfair labor practice." Several other teachers and HEA representatives — including Veronica Alvarez, Jacqueline Perron, Marissa Calphe, Jamie Familia and Corey Carroll — made similar appeals and asked for good‑faith bargaining.
Board members acknowledged receipt of the concerns and said negotiation messaging must be limited in public session; the chair and acting superintendent confirmed the district is in budget and contract negotiations and pledged to continue negotiating in good faith. Trustees repeatedly thanked staff for speaking and emphasized their commitment to listening as the negotiations proceed.
No formal action or settlement was announced; board counsel restricted board comment on active negotiations, and the board attorney reminded participants about rules for public comment on personnel and pending negotiations.
