Board ratifies NEA Santa Fe contract with 4% increase; board highlights staffing and class-size language

The Santa Fe Public Schools Board of Education approved a one-year collective bargaining agreement with NEA Santa Fe for the 2025-26 school year that provides a 4% wage increase and updates several operational items, the district said at its July 10 meeting.

Deputy Superintendent Vanessa Romero summarized the agreement and told the board it includes a districtwide 4% raise for employees covered by the NEA contract, raises the hourly emergency substitute rate for educational assistants and similar positions to $14 and incorporates class-size protections aligned with New Mexico statute. Under the revised class-size language, the district will maintain state-required averages across grade bands (for example, the grades 1-3 band average) and provide negotiated stipends for teachers whose classrooms exceed agreed thresholds.

Romero also said the bargaining changes sought to clarify transportation assignment rules for extracurricular field trips so that drivers may take trips while ensuring regular routes are covered. She thanked board leaders and bargaining team members for the negotiations and said the contract improves pay and clarifies operational practices.

Board discussion was brief; the board approved the agreement by voice vote. The district also noted the agreement covers provisions for the district'employed staff who are covered by NEA and includes provisions to pay certain stipends and to honor state class-size standards when budgeting and assigning staff.

Why it matters: The contract affects teacher and staff pay and operational rules for the coming school year and reflects a short-term settlement as the district balances labor costs with other budget needs identified in the Facilities Master Plan.