As educators across the state gear up to return to school, the paras in New Bedford are off to a stronger start.
In July, the New Bedford Federation of Paraprofessionals secured a new, three-year contract for its members featuring strong salary
increases across-the-board, ratification and retention bonuses, and stipends.
"This contract recognizes the important role paraeducators play in classrooms across New Bedford," said Nancy Furtado, who has worked as a paraeducator in the city for 25 years. "On top of across-the-board pay raises, this contract includes ratification and retention bonuses and stipends for paras working with high-needs students. By having strong leadership and an engaged Superintendent, we were able to win big things for New Bedford paraeducators."
Key highlights of the contract include:
- Restructured salary schedule with members receiving between 13.5 percent and 30.5 percent increase over the three-year contract;
- Ratification bonuses based on length of employment;
Retention bonuses in 2026 and 2027 based on length of employment; - Stipends for paraeducators working with high-needs students, including those with ABA designations and the deaf and hard of hearing; and
- Ensuring paras get paid for Election Day as a professional day if schools are closed.
"The fact that we had a ratified contract before our previous one expired was a win in and of itself," said paraeducator Sheldon Smith, who has been with the New Bedford public schools for 27 years. "On top of a strong compensation structure, this contract provides paras with some much-needed flexibility and security, like allowing personal days to be taken in half-day increments."
Congratulations to outgoing President Jillian Zangao and incoming President Michelle Willis on this historic win!