SOMERSWORTH — Representatives of SAU 56 say they are very happy with the new contract for Somersworth Association of Clerical and Aides (SACA). They're optimistic the improved pay and benefits will encourage more job applicants to fill vacancies in the city's schools for 2024-25.
The Somersworth School District announced a new and competitive collective bargaining agreement for its paraeducators and administrative assistants in the SACA union effective July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2027.
Leah Lainez, president of the NEA-NH affiliated support staff union SACA said, "Our contract negotiations were successful because the Somersworth School Board and the Somersworth City Council listened to us. They heard about the things we face daily. They understood that too many open positions hurts our ability to provide what Somersworth's students deserve. We hope the new agreement will attract more great employees to work with our students."
School Board Chair Maggie Larson said the board is very pleased with the result of the contract negotiations.
"This agreement exemplifies our dedication to recognizing and rewarding the invaluable contributions of these essential staff members," Larson said. “We aim to attract and retain passionate staff who align with our mission to create a secure, innovative learning atmosphere. We're seeking individuals dedicated to fostering an environment where student achievement and well-being are at the forefront of everything we do. These improvements reflect our ongoing commitment to excellence in education and investment in our staff and students’ futures."
How much is pay going up for paraprofessional educators and school clerical jobs in Somersworth?
Lainez, the union president, said the increases in pay and benefits make Somersworth schools truly competitive with surrounding communities. She provided examples of wage increases.
In the past contract, a secretarial position paid (hourly) $19.94 at Step 1 and went up to $24.55 for employees at Step 5. A paraprofessional position began at $15.23 and went to $18.68 at Step 5. (Employees with no experience start at Step 1 and move up a step each year, Lainez said. Employees with past experience may start at a higher step.)
The new three-year contract has higher pay at all levels in the first year and goes up each year. In 2024-25 a secretarial position will start at $21.14 for Step 1 and will be $26.80 for Step 5 employees. A paraprofessional begins at $16.25 and to $20.77 at Step 5.
In the final year of the new contract, the secretarial pay range will be $23.30 to $29.55, and the paraprofessional range will be $17.92 to $22.90. ·
Administrators are looking to hire about 20 paraprofessional and clerical positions at the Somersworth middle and high schools, as well as the Idlehurst and Maplewood elementary schools. Information is available at sau56.org/about_us/employment and job listings can be found by searching for Somersworth at edjobsnh.com.
New era for Somersworth schools' ability to attract employees?
Larson said the new contract represents a significant step forward, offering competitive salary adjustments aligned with industry standards, a comprehensive health and wellness benefits package, innovative stipends for professional development and specialized roles, enhanced paid time off to promote work-life balance, and recognition for district longevity and New Hampshire retirement.
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"We need employees right now, as do many districts," Lainez said. "We have about 20 vacancies right now at all grade levels, and our hope is that people looking for these jobs will take a close look at what we have to offer. In my opinion, we now have one of the most robust contracts in the area. It covers insurance, takes into consideration changes in federal laws and details the necessary qualifications for the roles we are looking to hire. We want to not only hire, but we want to keep the great employees we already have. These people work very hard. Students' needs are greater now, and the requirements to care for them are more rigorous."
Lainez said the longevity of Somersworth's support staff is very high, and that speaks to how employees are valued.
"SAU 56 is a great place to work," she said. "We are looking for people who are educated, and who have a passion for learning and for teaching students. This is an amazing district, and we have amazing kids. Join us."
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