Boston School Committee Hears BTU Contract Push, Burke Renaming Plea

BOSTON -- June 5, 2024, Boston School Committee hears BTU contract update with proposed raises as high as 28 percent for lowest-paid staff. Superintendent Mary Skipper told the committee Wednesday that the district aims to finalize a new collective bargaining agreement with the Boston Teachers Union before the current contract expires August 31, with weekly negotiations underway since February. Skipper said paraprofessionals, who average roughly $44,000 a year, could see raises of nearly 20 percent, while ABA specialists averaging about $57,000 could see increases as high as 28 percent. Outgoing BTU President Jessica Tang and incoming President Eric Berg appeared during public comment urging the committee to press the district on priorities including adequate school staffing, an end to hallway counseling sessions, and pay equity at autonomous schools, saying the union's 8,500 members "are backed by countless students and parents." Former BPS Superintendent Dr. Carol Johnson also testified, calling on the committee to rename Jeremiah E. Burke High School in honor of retired educator Al Holland, a push echoed by current Burke senior Damani Williams.