Dear CPS Community:
We hope this finds you well. We wanted to share an update about teacher contract negotiations. As you may be aware, the School Committee and Cambridge Education Association (CEA) have been negotiating a three-year (2023-2026) teacher contract to succeed the current contract that is still in effect.
In June, the Massachusetts Department of Labor Relations (DLR) appointed a mediator. We believe that the negotiating teams are benefitting from expert and neutral mediation of this process. Requesting a state mediator demonstrates our commitment to reach an agreement on a fair contract that allows Cambridge Public Schools to operate responsibly, effectively, and sustainably, while valuing our talented and dedicated educators.
Since October 17, 2022, the bargaining teams have met 24 times and spent 83 hours bargaining, most recently this past Wednesday, when the parties had their third mediation session. The parties have reached tentative agreement on 37 proposals. More mediation sessions are scheduled for next month.
The school year will begin next Tuesday, September 5. We have worked through the summer preparing for the new school year to ensure that our scholars have the structure, support, and services they need to have an enriching and fulfilling school year. We had a great week last week welcoming all of our school and district administrators back and had a productive day of learning with our educators on Tuesday.
It is possible that you may notice some differences in the school buildings and classrooms as we open school in the midst of these contract negotiations. For example, you may see educators demonstrating outside the buildings before and after the contractual school day. You may also receive communications and social media postings from educators and union leaders. These, and other actions, often occur when contract negotiations are ongoing. We share this with you so that you are not surprised. To learn more about the key aspects of the contract (compensation, student learning time, educator evaluation) that the negotiating teams are currently working to resolve in mediation,
visit our website.
The School Committee looks forward to continued negotiations with the CEA. We will continue to update the community periodically as we work together toward a new contract with our union partners.
Thank you for your continued support.
Sincerely,
Sumbul Siddiqui, Esq.
Mayor, City of Cambridge
Chair, Cambridge School Committee
Dr. Victoria L. Greer
Superintendent