• This web page will include updates on contract negotiations between the Chelsea School Committee and the Chelsea Teachers' Union (CTU). See below for the most recent update (published on October 18, 2024). 

Update on Negotiations from School Committee Chair - October 18, 2024

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    Letterhead for the Chelsea School Committee that includes address and phone number

    Haga clic aquí para leer esta información en español 

    October 18, 2024

    Dear Chelsea Public Schools Community, 

    The following is an update regarding the status of the School Committee’s negotiations over new contracts for the educator, paraprofessional and clerk bargaining units that are represented by the Chelsea Teachers’ Union (CTU).  The most recent negotiations session was on Wednesday (October 16, 2024). 

    The Chelsea School Committee has reached tentative agreements in response to Chelsea Teachers’ Union (CTU) proposals on the following:

    • Educators appointed as Lead or Mentor Teachers, Deans, or Academic Coaches shall receive a differential of 6% for the duration of their appointment

    • Enhanced reimbursement for college courses for paraprofessionals and clerks  

    • Paraprofessional lead stipend will be expanded to all schools

    • Paid after school prep time for paraprofessionals and supervising educators

    • Commencement leave added for all units

    • Clerks granted access to extended day child care slots, as available 

    • Personal days available to paraprofessionals will be increased to three days to match the other units

    • Language about paid overnight trips clarified for educators

    • Increased coverage for funeral leave for all units

    • Compensation for lost time due to assault extended to paraprofessionals

    • Paid snow days added for clerks

    The School Committee has offered the following in response to CTU proposals regarding parental leave:

    • 15 days of additional paid parental leave, not to be deducted from their accumulated paid sick time, for all CTU staff in FY 25, plus use of accrued sick time and, where medically necessary, use of the sick bank

    • 20 days of additional paid parental leave, not to be deducted from their accumulated paid sick time, for all CTU staff effective July 1, 2026 plus use of accrued sick time and, where medically necessary, use of the sick bank

    The School Committee has offered the following revised financial package in response to CTU proposals:

    Paraprofessionals

    • 12.5% Salary/Wage increase over three years plus $2,000 in FY 25 by standardizing the step differential at 6%. 

    • $1,500 sub-separate stipend in FY 25

    • Additional step for CPS graduates in FY 25

    • Multilingual stipend in FY 26

    • Increase in longevity increments


    Clerks

    • 12.5% Salary/Wage increase over three years plus $2,000 in FY 25 by standardizing the step differential at 6%

    • Addition of Step 4 in FY 25 and Step 5 in FY 26

    • $300 increase in degree stipend

    • Additional step for CPS graduates in FY 25

    • Multilingual stipend in FY 26

    • Increase in longevity increments


    Teachers

    • 12% Salary/Wage increase over three years 

    • Additional Step for CPS graduates in FY 25

    • Multilingual stipend in FY 26

    • Increase in longevity increments


    Attached to this email is the complete financial presentation shown at yesterday’s negotiations session.

    We have also made offers to address other CTU proposals, including increased vacation time for clerks, increased paid leave for all units to care for family members facing critical illness, and enhanced language to address class size and caseloads for our educators.

    We remain committed to work constructively towards new contracts for our educators, paraprofessionals and clerks. We will provide the community with additional updates as we proceed.     

    Sincerely, 

    Ana Hernandez

    Chairwoman

    Chelsea School Committee