Peabody Teachers Get 2% Raise In Three-Year Contract

PEABODY, MA -- Peabody teachers agreed to a three-year contract that gives them a 2% raise. The union representing teachers and school administration officials have agreed to the new contract, according to the Salem News, which first reported this story. Teachers had protested the elimination of two personal development days, which were restored when the city and school department found money in their combined budgets to cover the approximate cost of $550,000.

Most of the changes in the contract are minor. School officials are offering an bonus equal to one extra day's pay to any teacher who don't use sick time.

Last month, teachers protested budget cuts and the stalemate in the contract talks by refusing to perform any duties outside of those explicitly stated in their contract. In May the Peabody School Committee approved a $6.2 million budget cut for the 2018-19 school year. The budget cuts 10 classroom positions, as well as $500,000 for supplies. The budget cuts also eliminate five teachers aides, a custodian and a guidance counselor.

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