L-L offers teachers health plan

LEHMAN TWP. – After a closed-door negotiation session Monday night, the Lake-Lehman School Board offered the teachers union a new health care package.

Board solicitor Charles Coslett said the new self-insured health care program is similar to what Dallas and Pittston Area school districts have. It is designed “to prevent overcharging from Northeast Pennsylvania School District Health Trust,” which has been providing the teachers with insurance, he said.

The teachers union did not accept the proposal, but Coslett said the union wants to study it further. Another negotiation meeting is set for 6 p.m. April 3 at the high school.

Others who attended the negotiation session declined to comment Monday night. Teachers have been without a contract since last year in a dispute that resulted in a strike last fall.

During the school board’s open work session earlier Monday, two new employees were hired. Superintendent Jim McGovern announced Christine Ervin, of Wapwallopen, was hired as a junior/senior high school chemistry teacher at a salary of $36,470 effective March 3. William Rusonis, of Sweet Valley, was hired as a part-time custodian for $9 per hour starting March 18.