The most important piece to this negotiation was wage increase. To receive a $2.50 increase for all members of this union is well deserved and historic.”

B.E.S.T. Secretary Mary Ray

Every paraeducator, secretary, clerk, and bus driver plays a vital role in shaping our students' futures, and this contract reflects our appreciation for their continued dedication and service.”

Barrington School Committee Chairman Patrick McCrann

The Barrington School Committee and the Barrington Educational Support Team (B.E.S.T.) reached an agreement on a new contract. 

The two sides had been negotiating off and on for nearly a year, but last week the School Committee announced that they reached a collective bargaining agreement. 

According to a press release from the district, the School Committee has agreed to a wage increase for members of B.E.S.T., which includes para-educators, secretaries, clerks, and bus drivers.

The School Committee agreed to a $2.50 per hour increase for all union members in 2024. That accounts for an average raise of 11 percent across all pay levels during the first year of the agreement. B.E.S.T. members will also receive raises of 3 percent in both 2025 and 2026.

B.E.S.T. Secretary Mary Ray shared a statement from the union.

“Yes we are very happy with the final outcome of the negotiations," Ray wrote in an email to the Barrington Times. “The most important piece to this negotiation was wage increase. To receive a $2.50 increase for all members of this union is well deserved and historic. At the end of this 3-year contract the average increase will be about $4 an hour per member.  

“Did we get everything we asked for, no, but in any negotiation it is about give and take.”

The agreement also includes the addition of two paid professional development days for 10-month B.E.S.T. employees that provide educational support staff with access to training and resources that expand their expertise.

"Reaching this agreement was a collaborative journey that underscores our collective vision for the District,” said Barrington School Committee Chairman Patrick McCrann. “Every paraeducator, secretary, clerk, and bus driver plays a vital role in shaping our students' futures, and this contract reflects our appreciation for their continued dedication and service."

The agreement replaces five vacation days for 10-month union employees with four personal days. 

“With an understanding that education is both incredibly rewarding and at times challenging, the addition of 4 personal days to B.E.S.T. leave benefits enable staff to prioritize their well-being and mental health during the school year while allowing for maximum classroom time and minimal disruption for students,” stated the press release. “Educational support employees and the district will continue to work together so that our students benefit from our outstanding educator talent every day.”

The earlier contract negotiations reached a boiling point on Aug. 31 — that is the night more than 100 Barrington teachers, teacher assistants and other support staff attended a School Committee meeting to voice their frustrations. Union leaders said negotiations had started in February but made little progress. 

Shortly after the Aug. 31 meeting, members of the Barrington School Committee pledged to get involved in the negotiation process. 

“Our educational support staff are key partners in our district’s ongoing work of providing all students with an exceptional educational experience, which this agreement reflects,” stated the recent press release.

“The district and School Committee recognize that negotiations take time and energy and greatly appreciate the dedication and care that all negotiating parties showed throughout this process.”

B.E.S.T. members voted 53-1 in favor of ratifying the new contract.