Committee approves a successor collective bargaining agreement and several routine contract and calendar items

The Cambridge School Committee approved a successor collective bargaining agreement between the district and the Cambridge Professional Safety Specialists Association for July 1, 2024–June 30, 2026 and adopted several consent-agenda recommendations including contract awards, the 2025–26 district calendar and donations to school programs.

The memorandum of agreement (item 25-073) was brought forward when committee member Ketchings rejoined online; the motion to adopt was moved by Member Rachel and seconded by Member Rojas. The roll-call vote recorded seven affirmative votes and the motion carried.

Other adopted consent items included: - Contract award to Nimbelo (invoice-processing software) — staff said implementation last year has reduced invoice approval time by automating approval flows. - Contract award for Research for Better Teaching (professional development) — staff described it as a long-standing partnership to support educator evaluation calibration. - Approval of the 2025–26 Cambridge Public Schools district calendar, with staff noting coordination with after-school partners and the district’s contractual scheduling obligations; the committee approved the calendar by roll call. - Acceptance of multiple miscellaneous gifts, including a Cambridge Community Foundation donation for a scholarship program and a grant to three Amigos/Paws/Darby teachers to participate in the Democratic Knowledge Project.

Why it matters: The MOA formalizes terms with an employee group represented by the Cambridge Professional Safety Specialists Association. Contract awards and the calendar shape operations and professional learning and do not represent new policy choices; the committee flagged communication with community partners to ensure smooth transitions.

Ending: The committee adopted the consent items and moved to remaining agenda business.