Board ratifies three-year agreement with paraprofessionals, secretaries; wages rise about 3% annually

The Simsbury Board of Education ratified a three-year collective bargaining agreement with the Simsbury Federation of Educational Personnel (SFEP) at its May 26 meeting.

Administrator presented the contract terms, saying the agreement will run July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2029, and that the union held a ratification vote on May 15. "They ratified on May 15," the Administrator said, noting the board personnel committee negotiated the terms over four sessions.

Under the deal, general wage increases are 2.95% in the first year and 3% in each of years two and three, the Administrator said. Insurance premium shares remain at 18.5% in year one, rising to 19% in year two and 19.5% in year three. The contract also adopts prescription management and clinical day-supply programs recommended by the district’s insurer, Cigna.

Board members asked clarifying questions about longevity increases, onboarding windows for long-term disability and life-insurance enrollment, and the leave increment policy; the Administrator said some procedural clarifications were included in the exhibit but not all required final language changes.

A motion to ratify the changes was moved and seconded and passed by voice vote.

What happens next: The administration will implement the contract language and adjust payroll and benefits enrollment in accordance with the agreement. The union’s ratification on May 15 finalizes the bargaining process from the union side; the board’s vote completes the administrative ratification.

Ending: The board thanked negotiators and union representatives for reaching the agreement and moved on to other agenda items.