Prompted by the repeated failure of the Princeton Regional Education Association (PREA) and the Princeton Public Schools Board of Education (BOE) to negotiate a new contract for Princeton’s teachers and other staff, two concerned Princeton residents have formed a new group.

Attorney Nicole Soffin and public relations consultant Jennifer Lea Cohan created Community for Princeton Public Schools in an effort to “promote awareness, connection and support for the Princeton Public Schools.”

“[The group] was launched in response to the confusion and curiosity many people feel about the current negotiations between PREA and the Board of Education,” said Ms. Cohan, who is urging those interested to attend an inaugural community gathering in front of the School District’s Administration Building at 25 Valley Road, today, October 22, between 4 and 5 p.m.

The gathering is timed to take place prior to tonight’s second bargaining session between union representatives and members of the school board.

The first bargaining session, on October 2, had lasted less than an hour before members of the PREA negotiating team walked out. At that time, PREA Chief Negotiator John Baxter and PREA President Joanne Ryan cited the District’s failure to “put a counter proposal on the table.”

Negotiations have stalled repeatedly over the issues of health care, salary increases, and a profound disagreement over the intent and impact of N.J. law Chapter 78.

The crux of the issue is whether premium contributions are subject to collective bargaining under the Chapter 78 law. PREA contends that, after this year, premium contributions are subject to collective bargaining. But, according to the District, increases in healthcare costs have been “imposed by State Law Chapter 78” and the union’s demands are “simply unaffordable.”

Such entrenchment provided the impetus for Ms. Soffin and Ms. Cohan, who said that today’s Community for Princeton Public Schools gathering, which will take place without a speaker or a formal program, is intended in “support of a positive resolution to the negotiations.”

“Public education affects the vibrance, safety, property values and prosperity of a community,” the group said in an email to supporters. “[Princeton] has a legacy of respect for public education. Your show of support, either physical, virtual, or both (#comm4pps), is essential to continuing this legacy.”

Using email and social media such as Facebook and Twitter, the group is spreading word of today’s gathering to local media, PTO groups, School Board members, the Superintendent of Princeton Schools, as well as community organizations and others.

In anticipation of tonight’s bargaining session, Mr. Baxter said yesterday that he was hoping for progress. “We enter the session prepared with proposals to do our part should the Board agree to negotiate premium contributions or an equivalent proposal,” he said, adding that he was looking for answers from the Board in advance of the public meeting on October 28.

In an email, yesterday, District representative Patrick Sullivan commented: “The goals of the board’s negotiations team have not changed since these negotiations began. We want an agreement that 1) is fair to and affirming of our teachers, whom we value; 2) is affordable for the duration of the new agreement; and 3) ensures the sustainability of the high quality of programs, staffing levels and class sizes we all value for the children in our public schools. We hope the PREA will work with us to achieve that, within the limits of what is possible and compliant with the laws of our State.”

The Board of Education is due to meet Tuesday, October 28, at 8 p.m., at which time Princeton residents are expected to put some difficult questions with respect to Chapter 78, the schools budget, and other matters (See Letters to the Editor, page 14).

Following next week’s board meeting, the two sides will have the help of a state-appointed mediator in their search for common ground. Kathy Vogt, Esq. assisted with negotiations for the 2011-2014 contract which expired June 30 but continues in operation until the terms and conditions of a new contract can be agreed upon. She will work with both sides on November 20.

For more information on Community for Princeton Public Schools, contact: comm4pps@gmail.com, Facebook (comm4pps), Twitter & Instagram, @comm4PPS.