As dedicated members of the Springfield Education Association, let’s come together and write to Mayor Sarno and Members of the Springfield School Committee to express our disappointment in the outcome of the most recent negotiation session.

Springfield students deserve the very best, and for them to have that, they need educators who can be at their very best. A fair contract for Springfield’s educators is an investment in our students and in our future.

Springfield educators are asking for:

• Sick Leave: Reinstate 15 days of sick leave at the start of the year. We are the only district with such a limited number of sick days.

• Salaries: We were hopeful that our movement on salary increases from 10% / 5% / 5% to 4% / 8% / 4% / 4% and the proposal to equitably compensate our most veteran educators by increasing longevity would bring us closer to an agreement. This has not been the case. Our most veteran teachers, the ones who have kept the highest faith with the students and community of Springfield, are not compensated when compared to districts around us.  

• Paid Family and Medical Leave: Provide 40 days of employer-paid family and medical leave. At least 30 districts across the State have created a paid family leave benefit.

• Pre-K Improvements: Many of our youngest students and their educators cannot effectively function under the current Pre-K program structure. Allow for flexibility in the timing of the student instructional day to allow these educators to meet the needs of our Pre-K students.

• Specialists Support: Provide support for our special education and related services educators.    

Mayor Sarno has repeatedly stated that Springfield has, “the best educators in the state.” We agree!

Let’s send these letters to urge the School Committee’s bargaining representatives to come to an equitable agreement, so we can keep the best educators in the state. Settle a fair contract now!