Board hires consultant for contract Lawyer to negotiate with educators' association BY JENNIFER KOHLHEPP Staff Writer ALLENTOWN - The Upper Freehold Board of Education has hired a consultant to work on its behalf with the Upper Freehold Regional Education Association. The board voted at its Nov. 7 meeting to hire attorney Mathew Giacobbe, of Scarinci & Hollenbeck in Freehold, to represent it when negotiating the next contract with the education association this year. Giacobbe will receive $150 per hour. Board member Lisa Herzer said the board interviewed two candidates for the position. "Both would have done a fine job," she said. "[Giacobbe's] demeanor and negotiating style and experience seem to fit with the district and with us. We felt that the negotiations prior to this always have been done without conflict, and we hope to keep that going." Giacobbe specializes in the representation of private- and public-sector employers. His labor counseling practice includes representing public bodies in matters involving contract negotiations, contractual grievance arbitrations, and interest arbitrations. His practice also encompasses school law and municipal law, and he represents a number of municipalities and school districts throughout the state of New Jersey. Giacobbe has represented Washington Township and East Brunswick school districts, according to Herzer. Superintendent of Schools Richard Fitzpatrick said the board has hired an attorney to negotiate with the education association so that board members are not put in difficult situations. "If a board member has a child or a student in the schools, negotiating contracts could be difficult or awkward," he said. "The board did this because it has a wonderful relationship with the education association right now and a third party will keep it impartial." Fitzpatrick continued, "I believe we found someone who will negotiate and who is not confrontational. He is someone with experience to use as a reference." Fitzpatrick said that hiring the consultant has set a precedent and will make it easier for future boards to do so. He said the consultant will help the district maintain costs in the face of high insurance cost increases and regular salary increases. "He is designated to be fair and impartial to maintain expenses and to keep within spending limits to stay under cap," Fitzpatrick said.