During an evening negotiation session on Tuesday, October 20, the Holyoke School Committee’s bargaining team proposed a compensation offer for paraeducators that includes an average base wage increase of 20.8% over three years. The Holyoke Paraprofessionals Association's bargaining team is taking the offer under consideration, and both bargaining teams have tentatively agreed to meet again next week to assess the offer and ask questions before moving forward.
“This is progress,” said School Committee member Jens Michaelsen. “While we have not yet reached a tentative agreement on compensation, HPS remains committed to offering a highly competitive compensation package that recognizes the important contributions of our paraeducators. Our paraeducators play an essential role in supporting our students and helping the district meet many of the goals included in our strategic plan.”
The district’s most recent compensation proposal ranks second in the region, along with the highest longevity pay in the region. The proposal represents an investment of more than an additional $1 million in the district’s paraeducators, while also reducing the amount of time worked by 6.7%.
“We value our paraprofessional community and the work they do serving our students and families. We remain committed to continuing negotiations in good faith for a fair and sustainable outcome,” said School Committee member Patty Norris Lubold.
