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Rockland committee ratifies paraprofessional contract with paid lunches, increased days and raises
Summary
The school committee approved a ratified contract for more than 100 paraprofessionals that adds work days, provides paid lunch breaks and includes multi-year cost-of-living increases and substitution pay changes.
The Rockland School Committee on May 27 ratified a new contract for the district’s paraprofessionals that the superintendent and district negotiators described as intended to make wages and schedules more competitive with neighboring districts.
Key provisions include an increase in the annual work calendar (an increase described in the meeting as closing a one-day gap with teacher schedules), guaranteed paid lunch breaks for paraprofessionals (the unit had been the only one without paid lunches), a change to substitute pay (a flat $50 for a full-day substitute and an additional $75 stipend after ten days for long-term substitutes), and 2.5% raises in years two and three of the agreement. The district said the first-year adjustment is intended to align pay and scheduling with nearby communities.
Superintendent Dr. Kron opened the item by thanking paraprofessionals for their evolving and expanded role supporting students, including social-emotional supports and one-on-one student work. Jane, a district staff member involved in negotiations, summarized the staffing and pay changes and said the bargaining unit had earned the adjustments. "They will now be paid for their lunch break," Jane said during the presentation.
A motion to approve the ratified paraprofessional contract was made, seconded and carried by voice vote. The committee did not present a detailed cost estimate during the public discussion; the superintendent and staff said the change was negotiated to remain competitive and support consistent professional development scheduling.
Implementation: the superintendent’s office will coordinate payroll adjustments and update substitute-pay procedures; the contract includes specified percentage increases for years two and three.
