The comparative data below contains the settlement rates associated with New Jersey teacher contract negotiations. The data has been self-reported by districts either through their responses to a questionnaire or to direct inquiry by follow-up phone calls. It must be emphasized that settlement rates are only one part of a total settlement package. Therefore, focusing on the information on this page of the website, without consideration of the data contained in other reports, could lead to misleading conclusions and comparisons. Additional information and reports on salary guides, insurance, leaves and other selected contract clauses (i.e. unit composition, agency shop, just cause, etc…) would help you gain a fuller understanding of the board’s bargaining environment.

While comparative data still has it's rightful place at the bargaining table, it is vital to emphasize that the averages, or the "going rate" (as the union defines it) now carries less weight in these tough economic conditions than it once did. Therefore, users of the data contained herein are urged to remember that the boards' financial restrictions, as well as the public's declining willingness to support higher settlements, must take precedence over what other districts are settling at.

Comparative Data

Average Percent Increase: Generally, and for the purpose of the data contained herein, average percent increase (i.e., settlement rate) is defined as the average percent increase in teachers’ salaries over the previous year’s including the cost of increment and of longevity if applicable, but excluding the cost of employee benefits. The average percent increases presented in all the reports were provided by boards and were not calculated by the NJSBA.

Average Dollar Increase: Districts were also asked to provide the average dollar increase on our questionnaire, since simply looking to percentage increases in salaries can lead to a limited view of a settlement. The average dollar increase is defined as the total increase in salaries over the previous year’s salary base divided by the number of full-time equivalent teachers. As with average percent increases, the average dollar figures were reported by boards and include the cost of increment, but exclude the cost of employee benefits. Please note: not every district that reported an average percent increase reported an average dollar increase.

NOTE: If your districts' teachers contract settlement does not appear in the below reports, please complete this electronic survey or contact Sandy Raup at (609) 278-5224 or sraup@njsba.org.

Quick Stat Monthly statistical guide to teacher contract settlements, salary guides averages, insurance statistics and other miscellaneous comparative data in a convenient, one page report.

Settlements In Perspective (pdf) In addition to percent increase and dollar increase negotiated, this report includes a listing of contractual gains achieved by boards through negotiations, the month and year the contract was settled, and years covered by the contract. This allows researchers to gain a broader perspective of other district settlements, both in terms of board achievements in the negotiated settlement (e.g., cost containment on insurances, additional work time, contract language changes, etc.) as well as the time frame within which the settlement occurred. This is extremely important information because settlement rates cannot be viewed in a vacuum, but must be viewed in a broader economic and non-economic context.

Statewide Quarterly Settlements (pdf) The most recent teacher salary settlements listed on a district-by-district basis in order of the date of settlement and separated into 3-month quarters. Report includes the average settlement percentages and dollars and the years covered by the contract for each district.

Settlement Rates 2012-2015 (pdf) Contains a breakdown by county of settlement rates for contract years 12-13, 13-14, and 14-15.

Health Insurance Cost Containments (pdf) District-by-district listing of changes to teacher health insurance plans successfully negotiated by boards in the district's most recent negotiations. Information is gathered through direct surveys of each district's administration office.

Work Time Changes (pdf) District-by-district listing of changes to teacher workday, work year and work schedules successfully negotiated by boards in the district's most recent negotiations. Information is gathered through direct surveys of each district's administration office.

Don't see what you need? Please call our office at 609-278-5224 or email sraup@njsba.org.