NJ Education Commissioner Voids Ramsey Teacher Contract

RAMSEY, N.J. (AP) -- New Jersey's acting education commissioner has voided a teacher contract in a ruling that could have implications statewide.

Chris Cerf found the deal between teachers and the Ramsey school board exceeded a three-year limit on contracts. The pact included a retroactive payment that covered two years and another agreement for the 2009-10 and 2010-11 school years.

Cerf said the 2010-11 pact violated the rule that prevents committing future school boards to salary terms.

New Jersey School Boards Association spokesman Frank Belluscio told The Record newspaper there are at least four districts that have adopted multiple contracts spanning more than three years.

Ramsey teachers plan to appeal.

It's not clear how the 4.35 percent pay raises they received last year would factor into new contract talks.

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