School Nurses In Newark Will Get Raises Under New Contract

NEWARK, NJ — Nurses in New Jersey’s largest public school district will get a raise under a new work contract.

Unionized nurses in the Newark Public School District recently ratified a new, five-year contract by a 66-2 vote.

The agreement provides 4.5 percent annual raises with an increase in work-hour alignment with other school staff, according to the Newark Board of Education.

Similar to the current Newark Teachers Union contract, the agreement with the school district’s nurses raises the starting salary for instructional certified nurses from $65,000 in September 2024 to $74,000 by 2029 – a total increase of 13.8 percent over five years.

Non-instructional registered nurses will receive 90 percent of the salary structure outlined in the agreement.

According to administrators, other highlights include:

SALARY GUIDE - The new contract reduces salary guide steps from 19 to 16, enabling nurses to reach top pay faster. Step advancements will occur only on July 1 for those who worked at least 91 days the previous school year.

TUITION AID - Tuition reimbursement more than doubles, rising from $26,500 to $60,000, with a $600 per credit cap—giving nurses greater access to further education at any New Jersey college or university.

WORK HOURS - While waiting for this agreement to be ratified, school nurses’ schedules were already aligned with other district staff, extending their workday from 6 hours, 40 minutes to a full 7 hours. Additionally, nurses will now actively participate in Back-to-School Nights and parent-teacher conferences, further strengthening their contact with families as well as their role in students’ well-being.

“We are proud to have reached an agreement that reflects our district’s commitment to valuing and investing in all of our employees,” Board of Education President Hasani Council said.

“Our nurses play a vital role in the health and well-being of our students every day, and this contract reflects our deep appreciation for their dedication,” Superintendent Roger León agreed, thanking Assistant Superintendent of Human Resource Services Yolanda Mendez, Director of Labor Relations Scott Carbone, Executive Director of Health Services Marguerite Leuze and Employee Relations Officer Mamie Osei-Bonsu for their efforts during the negotiations.

• See Related: Newark Teachers Will Get More Money, Extra Time With Students

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