BTU approves agreement which provides a full-time nurse in every school, student mental health staff, and increased staffing support for elementary students
BOSTON, MA – The Boston Teachers Union (BTU) tonight voted to ratify a new three-year contract for educators. Each of the BTU’s four bargaining units – teachers, paraprofessionals, substitutes, and applied behavioral analysts – voted in favor of ratification.
The agreement, which must be approved by the School Committee prior to taking effect, was reached last month between the BTU and the City of Boston.
“Tonight’s overwhelming approval demonstrates deep support from members of the Boston Teachers Union for the new resources we have won for students,” said BTU President Jessica Tang. ” It is symbolic of our continued commitment to fight for the schools our students deserve.
The tentative agreement as ratified includes key provisions for students, families, and educators, including:
- A full-time nurse in every Boston Public School
- 23 new student-facing licensed mental health providers
- Additional ESL and special education teachers for inclusion classrooms
- A $300,000 investment from the City of Boston to combat student homelessness
- A full-time paraprofessional for all K2 classes city-wide
- A 2% raise for educators in each of the three years
- Compensation to promote equity for some of the district’s lowest paid educators
- A new citywide Hub Community Schools Coordinator to support expansion of wrap-around services for students
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The Boston Teachers Union proudly represents more than 10,000 teachers and other professionals including school nurses, psychologists, guidance counselors, paraprofessionals, and substitute teachers. Together, we advocate for the interests of students, parents and education professionals throughout the Boston Public Schools and City on a Hill Charter Schools. We support investment in public education to ensure a stronger future for our students and our city. As a union of educators, we are part of a movement that seeks to improve the quality of life for all working people. We are united against all forms of prejudice and bigotry that would seek to devalue the lives or liberties of our students, families or colleagues.