By Carol Britton Meyer

The Hull Teachers Association and the school committee ratified on Monday a three-year collective bargaining agreement that includes a 9% cost-of-living-adjustment over three years after nearly a year of negotiations.

The agreement also provides additional benefits, including four weeks of paid parental leave and payments of $500 in year two and $1,000 in year three for top-step members.

“With nearly half of our membership already at the top step, we wanted to join with the district in recognizing the dedication and commitment of our staff and their generational knowledge of Hull youth and families,” HTA Co-president Heather Weber said.

“I’m happy to say we voted unanimously to approve the new contract during an executive session today,” School Committee Chair David Twombly said at Monday’s school committee meeting. “This is great news for the district, administrators, and teachers. It took a long time, but at least we all reached the same point. We’re looking forward to the next three years.”

During an earlier all-member meeting that afternoon, the HTA also voted unanimously in support of the contract.

Both parties are proud of this agreement, “which marks a significant step forward in supporting educators, students, and the Hull community,” according to a Hull Public Schools press release.

Negotiations began on January 29, 2024, with the presentation of 30 articles by the teachers’ union, including several new proposals.

“The school committee carefully reviewed and discussed each article, dedicating countless hours to crafting an agreement that reflects good faith bargaining and a commitment to fairness,” the press release states.

The new agreement includes a competitive wage package, offering financial increases in several areas: curriculum development compensation, class coverage stipends, course credit reimbursement, retirement sick-time payouts, and longevity increases – with a new group for members with 10 to 14 years of service in Hull.

The new agreement also calls for the formation of a joint health and safety committee to maintain a healthy and safe workplace.

The agreement introduces four weeks of paid parental leave. This benefit was contingent upon the formation of a sick leave bank committee, which will include three union representatives and two district representatives.

“We believe this agreement achieves a strong balance and strengthens our shared mission to the children and families of Hull,” HTA Co-President Maura Jones said.

Twombly commended Liliana Hedrick for her role as school committee representative, as well as other members of the negotiating team.

“It was a group effort,” he said.

Hedrick, who attended every bargaining session, said the school committee “is proud to recognize and reward the hard work and dedication of our educators while maintaining a responsible approach to the district’s financial stewardship.”

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