Boston School District finalizes $180M contract with focus on low-wage employee pay raises

In a pivotal Boston School Committee meeting on April 16, 2025, the Boston Public Schools (BPS) unveiled a groundbreaking collective bargaining agreement aimed at significantly improving wages for the district's lowest-paid employees, including paraprofessionals and ABA specialists. This contract, which totals approximately $180 million, marks a substantial shift in the district's approach to compensation, with increases of up to 30% for some workers.

Superintendent Ann Skipper highlighted the agreement's focus on retaining talented staff and enhancing support for students with disabilities. "This contract includes wage increases for employees, including a significant increase for the lowest paid," she stated, emphasizing the collaborative nature of the negotiations with the Boston Teachers Union (BTU). The new salary scale for ABA specialists will see starting salaries rise from around $41,000 to over $53,000 by the end of the contract, while paraprofessionals will see average increases from just under $45,000 to over $54,000.

The meeting also addressed the district's commitment to inclusive education, with plans to implement a team-based approach to support students with disabilities. This model aims to ensure that no single teacher is solely responsible for delivering special education services, thereby alleviating the burden on educators and improving service delivery for students.

In addition to wage increases, the contract introduces operational efficiencies, such as year-round access to language testing for newcomer assessment specialists, which will enhance service delivery for families and students.

As the committee prepares to vote on the contract and request supplemental funding from the city council, the implications of this agreement are expected to resonate throughout the district. The administration is optimistic that these changes will not only improve working conditions for staff but also create a more supportive environment for students, particularly those with special needs. The anticipated outcomes include a stronger teacher pipeline and better educational experiences for all students in Boston Public Schools.