Boston School Committee unanimously ratifies $180 million BTU collective bargaining agreement

BOSTON — April 16, 2025 — Boston School Committee ratifies $180 million BTU contract with historic raises for paraprofessionals. The committee voted 7-0 Wednesday to approve the 2024-2027 collective bargaining agreement with the Boston Teachers Union, which the union ratified April 9 with "overwhelming" support. Senior Advisor Megan Costello said the deal's approach "is very different from previous years," directing larger percentage increases to lower-wage workers: group one paraprofessionals will see average raises of 25 percent, moving average salaries from just under $45,000 to over $54,000, while ABA specialists will rise from a starting salary of approximately $41,000 to over $53,000 by contract's end. The committee also voted unanimously to request $33,262,466 from the Boston City Council for FY25 costs and $55,899,118 for FY26 — requests the council is expected to take up in mid-May. Chief Financial Officer David Bloom told the committee he is "uncomfortable but not panicking," calling that a sign of a sound agreement. The contract also codifies a new team-based inclusive education model, creating a specially trained paraprofessional role with mandated weekly planning time alongside special education teachers.