The Somerville Educators Union expects the newly ratified contracts to greatly improve the educational environment for Somerville Schools and their students.

By The Times Staff

According to information released last week, the Somerville Educators Union (SEU) overwhelmingly ratified two contracts that will redefine student learning conditions and educator working conditions in the Somerville Public Schools.

Smaller class sizes, new special education caseload caps, and a social worker in every school mean the most vulnerable and struggling students will receive greater attention and support. Educator benefits and compensation will also drastically improve: all members, both birth and non-birth parents, are eligible for twelve weeks of paid parental leave, which is believed to be a first for any school district in the Commonwealth.

Additionally, a paraprofessional’s starting salary will increase almost 32% in the first year of the contract to $35,000, which is believed to be the highest in the Commonwealth.

The School Committee has also committed to working with the city and SEU to develop an equitable enrollment policy; ensure school buildings are healthy, safe, and moving towards carbon neutrality; and, will pursue policies to prevent families with school age children from facing eviction.

SEU members rallied for many months to arrive at a deal suitable for all concerned parties.

“The success of these contracts reflects the power of an engaged and active membership, backed by students, families, and the larger community,” said SEU Vice President Megan Brady. “The community was clear about what it looks like when a city values public education and public educators.”

Bargaining Team Member Dayshawn Simmons said that, “While these are important first steps, we as a city, Commonwealth, and society, still chronically underfund public education. This contract is an important first step in Somerville. The whole Commonwealth will have a similar opportunity this November by voting yes on the Fair Share Amendment ballot question, which will raise funds for public schools and infrastructure by $2 billion each year by taxing income above $1 million an additional 4 percent.”

The Somerville Educators Union prioritizes democratic participation, open two-way communication between union leaders and rank-and-file members, and respect for educators as the trained professionals they are.

President Rami Bridge says that the SEU has undergone a massive transformation in the last three years. “Our union has shown that when educators stand up and demand changes to an unsustainable system that pays poverty wages to paraprofessionals, fails to staff schools appropriately, and burns educators out, we can organize and create positive changes for ourselves, our schools, and our community. In just three years we have increased paraprofessional salaries in Somerville by almost 70%. We are thrilled to have found our district and local elected leadership willing to meet our demands with compassion, understanding, and increased resources. This is a powerful first step in building a sustainable school system that values rather than exploits educators.”