Chelmsford School Committee Approves New Contracts with Teachers and Staff

In a development for the Chelmsford Public Schools, the School Committee approved several new contracts with various employee groups, including teachers, nurses, and support staff. These agreements, effective from July 2025 to June 2028, aim to improve compensation and working conditions.

01:18The most noteworthy contract ratified was with the Chelmsford Federation of Teachers, which includes teachers and nurses. This three-year agreement features incremental compensation adjustments, raising the hourly rate for summer work from $30 to $35 in the first year and to $40 in the second year. Additionally, the contract stipulates that guidance counselors at McCarthy Middle School will now work an extra three days over the summer to better prepare for the return of students in the fall. Financially, the contract implements a structured salary increase with a 9% cost to the district over the three years, with steps 1 to 11 receiving a 2.5% increase annually and step 12 receiving a 3.5% increase. The agreement also includes updates to language regarding course reimbursement processes and the incorporation of new clubs and activities into the contract framework.

05:52Another important contract ratified was with the professional support personnel, which includes paraprofessionals, clerks, secretaries, and aides. This contract also runs through 2028 and features a 3% annual increase across the board. Notably, the agreement restructures the longevity steps, reducing the time employees spend on certain steps from 10 years to 5 years, allowing for more frequent progression based on years of service.

09:25The committee also approved a new contract with the Chelmsford Schools Food Service Association. The agreement introduces an increase in hourly wages for general workers and cooks by 75 cents in the first and third years, with team leaders receiving a $1.25 increase in the first year. Additionally, the contract aligns sick leave, personal leave, and vacation leave policies with other employee groups.

11:45Lastly, the Chelmsford School Administrators Association contract was renewed with minor language updates and a straightforward 3% annual wage increase, resulting in a 9% overall cost increase over the three-year period.

Note: This meeting summary was generated by AI, which can occasionally misspell names, misattribute actions, and state inaccuracies. This summary is intended to be a starting point and you should review the meeting record linked above before acting on anything you read. If we got something wrong, let us know. We’re working every day to improve our process in pursuit of universal local government transparency.

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