Teachers to Battle Wizards After One Year Hiatus

With the devisive teacher contract battle a thing of the past, village educators will be strapping on the high tops for the annual Harlem Wizards charity basketball game this January.

Ridgewood teachers in 2012 refused to play in the game to demonstrate their displeasure in not having reached an agreement on a new deal. In their place, administrators and parents squared off against the Globetrotter-esque basketball troupe.

A new three-year agreement between the Ridgewood Education Association (REA) and school board was lettered and signed in October. The compounded salary across the length of the contract works out to an annual 2.3 percent raise. Teachers made concessions in health benefit costs.

"Several" teachers have volunteered to play on Jan. 25, REA President Michael Yannone told Patch on Monday. The proceeds of the event benefit Ridgewood education, sponsored by the Federated HSA.