Manhasset, teachers agree to 2-year pact

Teachers in the Manhasset school district have accepted a two-year contract calling for only limited pay increases.

The union agreed Monday to a delayed step increase in both years, a zero percent increase in 2012-2013, and a 1 percent raise in 2013-2014.

The school district has about 3,200 students and 290 teachers in three schools -- two elementary schools and one housing both a middle and high school.

The teachers’ current contract expires June 30 and the new one -- once it is accepted by the school board -- will go into effect July 1.

The board is expected to approve the contract today.

Union leader Edward R. Vasta said he was pleased with both the process and the outcome of the months-long negotiation.

“It was not contentious,” he said. “But it was work on both the part of the district and the union. It was a fair agreement. We are very happy with it.”

Superintendent Charles Cardillo said the tenor of the conversation was positive.

He said, too, that he was glad teachers agreed to a two-year contract as opposed to one that ran longer because it will allow for some flexibility as the district adjusts to the new 2 percent property tax cap.

“We need time to see what the implications will be on a year-to-year basis,” he said of the cap.

Above: Munsey Park Elementary School in Manhasset. (March 5, 2012)