Cambridge School Committee and Cambridge Public Schools Statement on Educator Contract
Dear CPS Community:
We are writing with an update on efforts to negotiate a successor contract for Cambridge Public School (CPS) employees who are members of Cambridge Education Association (CEA) Unit A (including teachers) and Unit B (including assistant principals, deans and curriculum coordinators).
The School Committee’s bargaining team, in representing our students and their best interests, have approached the negotiating process in good faith. Since October 15, 2021, the bargaining teams have met five times, most recently on January 19, and exchanged proposals.
We truly value our employees and their commitment and devotion to our students and their success. We also believe a contract that aligns expectations, working conditions, compensation and professional learning pathways with our district priorities is an important tool for improvement. The School Committee’s bargaining team proposed a 1-year successor contract to be in place for this school year (2021-22), including a 2% retroactive wage increase (1% on September 1, 2021 and another 1% on January 1, 2022) and minimal other changes. This would provide time to develop the next multi-year District Plan, which would serve as a guide for subsequent contract development.
Unfortunately, fundamental disagreements between the negotiating teams, including about the length of the successor contract, have served as a barrier in making progress in negotiations. At this point, we believe we have reached an impasse. On January 19, the School Committee’s bargaining team asked the CEA to make a joint request to the state’s Department of Labor Relations (DLR) to appoint a neutral mediator to help resolve the impasse and help the parties reach agreement on a successor contract. As of this date, the CEA has not responded to this request.
While we are disappointed to be at this point, we believe that the CPS community will benefit from expert and neutral mediation of this process. Requesting a state mediator be appointed to these negotiations is a wise step that demonstrates our commitment to
coming to an agreement quickly, effectively and in the best interest of our students and staff.
The CEA has paused negotiations since the parties’ last bargaining session on January 19. We look forward to reengaging with the CEA with the support of a state mediator. We are confident that when the parties return to the table, we will find common ground.
Sincerely,
Sumbul Siddiqui, Esq.
Mayor, City of Cambridge
Chair, Cambridge School Committee
Dr. Victoria L. Greer, Ph.D.
Superintendent, Cambridge Public Schools