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Merrimack Valley voters approve three-year educators' contract estimated to add $765,708 in 2027
Summary
Voters approved a three-year collective bargaining agreement covering teachers, nurses and counselors; presenters said it aims to raise starting salaries and retain staff, with an estimated $765,708 total cost in the first year.
Voters approved Article 5 to accept a three-year collective bargaining agreement between the Merrimack Valley School Board and the Merrimack Valley Education Association.
Jessica Wheeler Russell, speaking for the board, described the agreement as a strategic step to attract and retain educators, noting the district ranks low in starting salaries regionally. "This agreement is a strategic step towards closing that gap," she said, laying out estimated costs of $765,708 for 2027 (about a 4.18% average increase), $692,098 for 2028 and $667,602 for 2029, which include salary, retirement contributions and FICA.
Speakers thanked board staff for transparency in presenting the contract. After limited public comment and a motion to move the question, Article 5 was adopted by voice vote.
The agreement covers teachers, nurses, counselors and other certificated staff included in the teachers' bargaining unit; paraprofessionals were covered under a prior contract, the business administrator noted. The meeting restricted reconsideration of the article following adoption.
