LYNN — For the first time in 40 years, the City and the Lynn Teachers Union have reached a contract agreement before the existing contract expired – and they did it at warp speed, as contract negotiations typically go.
It took only seven bargaining sessions over three months for the two sides to agree on the contract, which is scheduled for a ratification vote by the union on June 10.
“It’s historical,” said Sheila O’Neil, LTU president, who is retiring this month. “I’m proud of the collaborative way we identified common areas that needed to be worked on.”
Under the new contract, teachers will receive three percent raises each year. Benefits including tuition reimbursement and additional pay for teachers on the top step of the pay scale (12 years of service) will bring the total increase to 10.25 percent.
Educators will also receive: paid parental leave of two weeks in year one and increasing by two weeks each of the next two years; $1,000 of tuition reimbursement for job-related courses; up to an $18,750 severance payment upon retirement ($9,000 for paraprofessionals) with a minimum of 20 years’ service in the district; the ability to take a partial sick or personal day; and a 30-percent increase in stipend for directing clubs and extracurricular activities.
The contract includes more attendance accountability for staff, evaluation improvements, streamlined hiring and promotion processes, district approval of all transfers, and expanded paraprofessional responsibilities.
“The way we collaborated speaks to the alignment of values between educators and the vision we have for educating students,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Evonne S. Alvarez. “I’m hoping the process we engaged in becomes the model for other districts to be supportive of educators and engage in discussions supporting fair working conditions.”
Three North Shore districts – Beverly, Gloucester and Marblehead – experienced teacher strikes in November 2024.
Agreeing on a new contract before the current one expires on August 31 means the district will not be paying retroactive raises, both for the first time in 40 years, according to O’Neil.
“We are very pleased to come to this agreement with our teachers, paraprofessionals and therapists,” said Mayor Jared C. Nicholson, who is also chair of the School Committee. “The fact that a contract was reached in such a short period of time is an indication that both sides came to the table with the best of intentions and they genuinely listened to the other’s concerns and were open to real negotiation.”
Eight subcommittees consisting of representatives from the union and LPS focused on different components of the contract, which provides paraprofessionals with a $4.75 increase on hourly wage over the life of the contract.
“Through collaboration, dedication, and a shared commitment to progress, we worked to secure a contract that enhances the educational experience for all,” O’Neil said.
The union will hold informational meetings for members on Monday and the ratification vote is scheduled for Tuesday.
