The New Bedford School Committee and the New Bedford Education Association (NBEA) have agreed to a new three-year contract that will run from July 1, 2022, through June 30, 2025. The 8-page Memorandum of Agreement – Unit A (MOA) was unanimously ratified by the New Bedford School Committee on July 11, 2022.
Under the new contract, teachers’ salaries will increase 1.75% for Steps 2-13 and 2% for Step 14 in the first year of the MOA, effective July 1, 2022. In the second year, beginning July 1, 2023, salaries will again increase 1.75% for Steps 2-13 and 2.25% for Step 14. In the third year, beginning July 1, 2024, salaries will increase 2% for Steps 2-13 and 2.25% for Step 14.
“The contract reflects a balance between the need to fairly compensate our teachers and to support the reforms needed to continue the school district’s improvement,” Mayor Jon Mitchell said. “The winners in the end are the schoolchildren of New Bedford.”
In expressing his thanks to the negotiation teams, Superintendent Anderson stated, “I am excited that we were able to get to this agreement. There was a tremendous amount of dedication by the NBEA and our staff. The timing positions us for a dynamic and exciting new school year ahead as we continue to work to benefit the staff and students in our schools.”
Other highlights of the Agreement include extended learning days for Whaling City Jr./Sr. High School and Trinity Day Academy, equity among all birth and adoptive parents for paid leave, increased family conference time, up to two additional Professional Development days for new employees, and an online Parent Portal for grading and increased parent/teacher communication. Returning employees of the bargaining unit will receive a one-time retention payment of $400 to help mitigate turnover.
The NBEA includes approximately 1,400 employees, consisting of educators, psychologists, nurses, speech therapists and school adjustment councilors.
