New Teacher Contract Could Save Town $1.3 MIllion

Editor's note: The following is a press release from the Town of Arlington, edited for content and style to conform to this publication's editorial standards.

Members of the Arlington Education Association have approved a new contract with the Arlington School Committee, which officials said could save the town $1.3 million in fiscal year 2012.

Highlights of the new two-year contract include no raise for fiscal year 2010 and a 2 percent raise on the last day of fiscal year 2011, without any retroactivity, essentially meaning two years without raises.

The new plan would also require members to increase contributions to their health insurance premiums by 10 percent for the more expensive plan and 5 percent for the less expensive plan. Additionally, future employees would be required to contribute 25percent regardless of the plan chosen.  

“We’re very pleased with this outcome,” Town Manager Brian Sullivan said in a statement. “By making significant concessions, the AEA membership has shown that they recognize the town’s current financial situation and chose to be part of the solution to help preserve services in Arlington.”