Chelsea School Committee approves multi-unit contracts with raises, expanded leave and class-size pilot

The Chelsea School Committee on Dec. 11 voted to approve collective bargaining agreements covering teachers, paraprofessionals and clerical staff for July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2027, endorsing phased pay increases, new family-leave provisions and a pilot class-size policy.

Christine, who presented the package to the committee, said the contracts represent a “tentative agreement” reached after negotiations that began in February and culminated in a tentative agreement on Dec. 11. “I am happy to present our contract to you,” she told the committee and said the process involved legal counsel Rebecca Bryant and a team of district and school leaders.

Why it matters: the agreements include a total 13% wage increase across the three units—described by the presenter as 3% in year one, 5% in year two and 5% in year three—along with targeted…