Negotiations

Ms. Lipshin correctly points out the disparity of salary and benefits through-out the state.  A state-wide salary and benefit schedule has the potential to lessen that disparity.  In terms of improving local relationships between staff, the educational community and administrators, it has greater implications.

Some teachers have paid health benefits for life upon retirement, while others have none.  This seems inherently unfair.  A state-wide health benefit package could address this disparity.  Normally, with health insurance, the larger the pool of participants, the greater the leverage on rates and services.
The Master Plan recommendation has great merit.