New Bedford School District Approves Union Contract

NEW BEDFORD — The New Bedford School Committee has approved a three-year contract with the New Bedford Educators Association granting teachers raises each year, according to a release from district officials.

The contract will run through June 30, 2025 and includes a 1.75-2% increase for teachers' salaries in the first year, a 1.75-2.25% increase in the second year, and a 2-2.25% increase in the final year.

It also provides equal paid leave for all birth and adoptive parents, increased family conference time, and an online Parent Portal for better parent-teacher communication, according to the release.

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Included in the agreement are extended learning days for Whaling City Junior/Senior High School and Trinity Day Academy and up to two extra professional development days for new employees.

Returning NBEA employees will also get a single retention payment of $400 to help lower turnover in New Bedford public schools.

“The contract reflects a balance between the need to fairly compensate our teachers and to support the reforms needed to continue the school district’s improvement,” New Bedford Mayor Jon Mitchell said. “The winners in the end are the schoolchildren of New Bedford.”

Superintendent Thomas Anderson said he is "excited" about the agreement.

"There was a tremendous amount of dedication by the NBEA and our staff," he said. "The timing positions us for a dynamic and exciting new school year ahead as we continue to work to benefit the staff and students in our schools."

Around 1,400 New Bedford schools employees are NBEA members, including educators, psychologists, nurses, speech therapists and school adjustment councilors.