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BSC and BEA Collective Bargaining Negotiations Report Summary:

The Belmont School Committee (BSC) is committed to keeping the community informed about its ongoing collective bargaining negotiations with the Belmont Education Association (BEA) for a successor contract.

As a part of the negotiations for Unit A (Educators), the School Committee recently requested mediation through the Department of Labor Relations (DLR). After meeting with both sides, the DLR encouraged the parties to continue face-to-face bargaining to reduce the number and scope of remaining open issues. The DLR will retain jurisdiction and requires a progress report by November 21, 2025.

Significant Progress Achieved

Over the course of the last year, the BSC and BEA have reached 67 tentative agreements (TAs), but over 90 proposals still remain open. At our most recent session on October 22, two more TAs were added.

Both parties are aligned on the shared priority of adding minutes of instructional time to the school day.

Key Proposals for Other Bargaining Units

In addition to Unit A negotiations, the School Committee has made offers to other staff units that reflect the district’s commitment to fair compensation and support:

• Unit C (Administrative Assistants, Clerical Aides): We have proposed a 6% salary increase in the first year, along with increases to longevity payments.

• Unit D (Paraprofessionals, Classroom Aides, etc.): We have proposed additional paid time specifically for professional development and collaboration with educators. Because Unit D members are paid hourly, this new paid time directly contributes to their overall annual earnings.

Advancing Paid Parental Leave

The Committee continues to work toward implementing a paid parental leave benefit across all units. Currently, the contract includes no paid time. Our latest proposal offers 10 paid days funded by the general fund and allows members to use accrued sick days to receive pay for up to 30 additional days.

We remain focused on balancing these well-deserved improvements with the necessity of managing costs and maintaining classroom coverage for our students.

Our shared goal remains clear: supporting our educators, protecting our programs, and ensuring the best possible experience for our students. We hope to reach a full agreement before the DLR’s November progress deadline.

Thank you for your continued engagement and support of the Belmont Public Schools.

Please visit the Collective Bargaining Portal for details and additional background information.

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