March 20, 2025 Meeting Update:
Tonight, the Unit C paraprofessionals – supported by about 20 silent observers – met with the District once again, only to be met with the same disrespect and indifference that has characterized these negotiations.
The meeting was scheduled to begin at 4:15 PM, yet we were forced to wait approximately 40 minutes for Geoff Swett to arrive. In his absence, the District was unable—or unwilling—to answer any questions, making it clear that they were unprepared and unwilling to engage in meaningful dialogue without his direction.
Despite our persistence, the District outright rejected all of our remaining proposals, including fair compensation and a two-year contract that would align us with the other bargaining units. When pressed for their rationale regarding the refusal of a two-year contract, their only response was that they simply “did not want to.” This response underscores their lack of commitment to a fair negotiation process and to recognizing the value of paraprofessionals in our schools.
It is clear that the only thing that moved them tonight was the presence of our silent representatives, including MTA Vice President Deb McCarthy. This reinforces what we already know: they will not act unless we continue to organize and apply pressure. Our strength lies in our collective action, and it will be through our unity and persistence that we push them toward a just agreement.
Now, more than ever, we must stand together. Our fight is not over. Please commit to supporting our paraprofessionals by attending the next negotiations as a silent observer: Wednesday, April 2nd at 4:45. Be on the lookout for the location.
In solidarity,
Unit C. Negotiations Team
February 25, 2025 Meeting Update:
Tonight the Unit C negotiation team met with the District. The team would like to express our gratitude to the silent representatives who took part in tonight’s meeting. We had 31 silent representatives!! Your attendance certainly made an impact on the District, emphasizing our unity.
The District continues to reject providing a stipend related to high need programs as well as a stipend for ABA work. They also reject granting a 2 year contract which would align us with the other three WEA units. In addition, the District only made an increase to year one of their last proposal by 1/4%; bringing the increase from $ .48 to $ .54 per hour – an increase of $ .07 for the highest paid paraprofessional.
On a positive note, the District agreed to allow members the ability to donate unused sick days to the sick bank.
Silent representatives were dismayed that the District had very little knowledge of what paraprofessionals do on a daily basis. The team invited the school committee members to come and spend some time in classrooms of our choosing for an extended period of time.
Save the date: March 6th at 6:30 School Committee Meeting
It is imperative that we have as many – and hopefully many more – silent reps in attendance at our next meeting, Thursday, March 20th at 4:00. Please commit by signing up through the new Google form at the link below in order for us to prepare appropriate space.
NEW silent rep sign up for 3/20/25: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdK93mqb9TFctZ34sT8GAhDfSaKYiV4HtEMtUyLrmqICHlZVA/viewform?usp=header
In solidarity,
Unit C Negotiations Team
Silent Rep Request:
Unit C negotiations resume Tuesday, February 25th! We need you – Teachers, paras, administrative assistants and assistant principals -to be present as silent reps in the WMS auditorium on this date beginning at 4:45.
A Silent Representative is someone who volunteers to go to some negotiation meetings. They are present at the meeting with management but do not speak. During caucus time with the union, silent representatives are encouraged to give feedback and advice to the WEA negotiation team. Silent representatives are also tasked with bringing back information from the negotiations to their schools and colleagues.
Please sign up using the attached google form at this link. Please commit to support the paras by attending the next negotiation meeting Tuesday, February 25th at 4:45 at the WMS auditorium.
Thank you!!
The WEA Negotiation Team
February 11, 2025 Meeting Update:
At the Unit C negotiations this evening, the School Committee rejected 13 proposals and provided 5 counters out of 24 WEA proposals. We did reach tentative agreements on 6 items, 2 of which are very minor changes. The WEA also presented a compensation counter proposal but, unfortunately, did not receive one from the District. The District continues to reject a two-year duration which would align us with the other three WEA units, saving time and taxpayer dollars. Our MTA field representative then asked when referencing six of the rejected proposals, “Are you saying the district is unwilling to provide Unit C members the same benefits that other WEA Unit members currently receive ?”, and the district representative said, “yes”. The next Unit C meeting with the District is scheduled for Tuesday, February 25th at 5:00 p.m. Any and all members who are available to attend this meeting, please commit to do so. It is imperative that we have a strong showing of solidarity. I will be sharing a Google Form to sign up this week.
With regard to next year’s calendar, We had a great response from our survey. Over 200 responses were received. 70.9% of the members who responded voted to keep the calendar as is, with 2 weeks off for the holiday break.
I wish you all a fabulous February vacation and thank you once again for all you do for our students!
January 29, 2025 Meeting Updates:
Good evening colleagues,
Tonight, the Unit C negotiations team met with the District. The following are highlights – or low lights – of the District’s proposal:
District Proposal:
- 25/26 – 2% (*1.25%) between .25 and .30 cents an hour
- 26/27 – 2.25% between .50 and .60 cents an hour
- 27/28 – 2.5% between .53 and .63 cent an hour
- New hires would no longer receive 15 sick days, only receive 6 days total.
- Increase the work year by 1.5 days*
Unfortunately, the District’s attorney ended the meeting an hour early and refused to continue the dialog around agreed upon comparable districts. He also continued his dismissive and condescending approach, which we see as unfortunate, but not surprising. The Superintendent appeared to be a silent observer for the District.
It is clear we will need the support of members across all units throughout this bargaining process. The following dates have been scheduled for future meetings with the District. Please be on the lookout for more detailed information on location and possible actions.
- Tuesday, February 11
- Tuesday, February 25
- Thursday, March 20
If you have the “paras are worth more than pennies” buttons from our last campaign to support paraprofessionals, please start wearing them now. This visibility gets students and parents’ attention and sparks necessary conversations.
We are also looking to have members form a CAT (Contract Action Team). This team would be made up of teachers, assistant principals and administrative assistants, as well as paras, who don’t necessarily attend negotiations meetings, but who would plan actions within their buildings, lead 10 min meetings to disseminate information and communicate face to face with building members as well as sign up silent observers. The involvement of every WEA member is needed to ensure the success of this negotiation process. Those interested please reach out to me at presidentwea@gmail.com (Operators are standing by!)
We know with your support we will be successful in securing a fair and equitable contract.
In solidarity,
Deanna Semple