Talks fail; more mediation set White Twp. district, teachers to have second session in March. Friday, February 09, 2007 • BY LYNN OLANOFF • The Express-Times WHITE TWP. | A state-appointed mediator will work with the school district and teachers union beginning next month after five hours of negotiations Wednesday night failed to produce a new contract. Chief School Administrator Linda Heilman said a second mediation session is a positive step because many school districts often proceed into the more severe process of fact-finding following mediation. "It was promising," she said of Wednesday's meeting. White Township Education Association President Henry Skirbst also said Wednesday's meeting was successful. A settlement is possible at the March 14 mediation session, he said. "I am hopeful that a fair settlement will be achieved in order to sustain the education quality the community of White Township -- parents and students -- have been accustomed to and deserve," Skirbst said. The district's 46 teachers, aides, custodians and cafeteria workers have been working without a contract since June. Skirbst has said his group is at odds with the school board over salaries and benefits but has declined to release specifics. Dawn Hiltner, a spokeswoman with the New Jersey Education Association, said the White teachers are seeking a raise in line with the county average, which is 4.5 percent. The teachers also are looking to maintain their health benefits and raise their starting salaries, which are among the county's lowest. The average starting teacher's salary in Warren County is $40,231 while White's average is $36,705, Hiltner said. White's teachers also are seeking to reduce the time it takes to reach the top of their salary guide, she said. Reaching the top currently takes 37 years. Reporter Lynn Olanoff can be reached at 908-475-8044 or by e-mail at lolanoff@express-times.com. © 2006 The Express-Times. Used by NJ.com with permission.