Board of Education and administrators reach contract settlement
The Bayonne Board of Education announced on Friday, May 23 that the school district has arrived at a settlement with the Bayonne School Administrators’ Association.
“The union has ratified the proposed contract, which includes a one-year salary freeze for all members,” said School Business Administrator Leo Smith Jr. in a prepared statement. “The four-year pact includes modest salary increases in years 2 through 4, for a total increase of 6.65 percent over four years.”
The union represents Bayonne Public School principals and administrators.
Smith said the district was thankful for the administrators accepting a one-year salary freeze.
“We are very appreciative of the administrators’ willingness to work with us to get this contract done,” he said.
Mayor names three to school board
Mayor Mark Smith has named three new people to the Bayonne Board of Education. They are Patrick Conaghan, Theodore Garelic, and Michael Lawandy.
The new members will replace Jose Casais, Abett Hernandez, and Vincent Virga.
There are nine members on the school board. The mayor appoints three members each year for three-year terms.
Bayonne schools could win a playground from ShopRite and Colgate
Oral care leader Colgate and supermarket giant ShopRite have partnered with environmental company TerraCycle for the Recycled Playground Challenge, a contest that will result in a school winning a playground on its campus.
From now through June 30, schools in New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Connecticut, and Maryland can compete to win a brand-new playground by recycling toothbrushes, toothpaste tubes, and floss containers through the Oral Care Brigade program.
The initiative has been launched to help encourage healthy smiles and environments among school children and consumers, according to a spokesman. The program is open to anyone and participation is free.
Schools will earn one “Playground Credit” for each shipment of recyclables sent to TerraCycle during the contest period. Schools can earn additional credits by encouraging parents and teachers to vote online by logging on to terracycle.com/colgateshopriteplayground.
In addition to donating gift certificates for the runner-up schools, ShopRite is also encouraging community participation in the contest with displays throughout its stores. A display can be found in the Bayonne ShopRite, 583 Ave. C.
The winning school with the most playground credits will be announced by July 18 and the playground will be installed during the 2014-2015 school year. The playground will be made using recycled oral care products collected through the program.
Pontoon boat tours in Meadowlands to kick off next week
The New Jersey Meadowlands Commission will offer its first pontoon boat ride of the season on
Wednesday, June 4 at 5:30 p.m.
“Get an up-close view of the Meadowlands district’s spectacular scenic beauty and wildlife with a two-hour guided pontoon boat cruise of the Hackensack River and its surrounding marshes,” said spokesman Brian Aberback. “Experienced NJMC staff will discuss the region’s human and environmental history and point out birds and other wildlife along the way.”
Rides depart from River Barge Park, 260 Outwater Lane, Carlstadt. Pre-registration is required.
Tickets are $15 per person, ages 10 and older.
For a schedule, directions, or to register, visit njmeadowlands.gov/environment/tours.html, or call (201) 460-4677.