
The Holliston School Committee and Superintendent Dr. Susan Kustka are pleased to announce that we have successfully negotiated a three-year collective bargaining agreement with the Holliston Federation of Teachers – Paraprofessionals Unit. The contract covers September 1, 2024 through August 31, 2027.
Paraprofessionals are vital members of the HPS community. They assist and empower some of our most vulnerable students so they can better access the curriculum and make meaningful progress in their social-emotional learning and academic achievement. The School Committee and administration want to express our sincere appreciation of the paraprofessional support staff.
Paraprofessionals and members of the School Committee and administration, worked collaboratively and respectfully to achieve a fair contract. All negotiating team members came to the table with a willingness to listen and compromise to meet the needs of both students and paraprofessional support staff members. Throughout the negotiation process, all parties engaged in thoughtful and meaningful discussions around attracting and retaining highly skilled and trained staff who care deeply about serving HPS students.
Some notable highlights of the agreement include:
- Removal of steps 1-3 and addition of adding new steps 7-9 at 2% above step 6 and a new step 15+ at 2% above the new step 9, prior to adding the cost of living adjustment (COLA).
- Increased hourly wages of 5% annually in each of the three contract years (15% COLA over three years).
- Additional compensation from $1.50-$2.00 per hour for those who receive Registered Behavioral Technician (RBT) Certification — a comprehensive 40- hour training program designed to meet the specific needs of students with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
- Increase in substitute daily rate when a paraprofessional serves as a substitute teacher, from $35 next school year to $40 per day above their regular compensation by year 3 of the contract, an increase from the current rate of $32.50.
- Annual longevity bonus beginning after 10 years at HPS from $500 up to $1,000 by year 20.
- $500 Referral Bonus for a paraprofessional (or any staff member) who refers a paraprofessional who is hired permanently.
- Addition of a Building Liaison role to help onboard new paraprofessionals.
- Increased tuition reimbursement.
- Increased flexibility in hiring qualified candidates who have equivalent qualifications.
The contract allows us to remain competitive with surrounding communities, all of which have, like Holliston, struggled to fill vacant paraprofessional positions in recent years.
We recognize the dedication and commitment of paraprofessionals who help provide a high quality educational experience for all of our students. We are grateful to have been able to ratify this contract in the best interests of the students and staff of Holliston Public Schools.
The Holliston School Committee
Daniel Alfred, Chair
Dawn Neborsky, Vice Chair
Amanda Bigelow
Sarah Fitzgerald
Minnie Gupta
Lisa Kocian
Cynthia Listewnik
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