North Reading paraprofessionals have reached an agreement with the North Reading School Committee on a new union contract that will deliver record wage increases of 20-30% for the district’s hard-working paraprofessionals.
After a months-long contract campaign by the North Reading Federation of Paraprofessionals (NRFP) that featured rallies on the Town Common, paraprofessionals speaking up at School Committee meetings, and parents and students voicing their support for the union’s priorities, the union reached a new 3-year agreement with the school committee in late November.
“The strength and unity of our members showed management that we deserve to be respected and compensated for the hard work that we do every day,” said Nancy Scioli, a Paraprofessional at the Little School and President of the North Reading Federation of Paraprofessionals. “This was the most difficult contract that we have ever bargained for, and by staying strong through our actions, we received the highest increases in our Local's history. I am extremely proud of our North Reading Paraprofessionals for staying strong throughout the extended negotiation process, and I am grateful for the guidance and expertise of AFT Massachusetts’ Nick DiPardo and Anabel Santiago. We couldn't have done this without them.”
The new NRFP contract, which will run through June 30, 2026, includes significant raises for all North Reading paraprofessionals. Annual wages will reach between $32,000-$43,000 annually under the contract, up from the current range of $24,000 to $35,000.
Additional elements of the contract include the additional use of sick time to care for family members; guarantees to address employee concerns related to facilities, cleanliness, safety, and technology; additional compensation for paraprofessionals substituting for teachers; and NRFP seats on all future search committees for school and district leadership.