HAMPTON — The Hampton School Board and the Seacoast Education Association are pleased to share that they have reached a three-year contract agreement for teachers.
The agreement will take effect July 1, 2022, and last through the conclusion of the 2024-2025 school year.
The Hampton Budget Committee and Hampton School Board voted unanimously in favor of the agreement. Voters will consider the adoption of Article 2 of the 2022 District warrant, which outlines the proposed agreement. The Annual District Meeting will be held on Tuesday, March 8. Voting takes place from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., at Winnacunnet High School.
The agreement is the result of a shared understanding by the District and its educators that the COVID-19 pandemic has altered the landscape of education, resulting in unprecedented working conditions and an uncertain landscape for teachers in the coming years. Negotiators also took into consideration that fewer people are choosing education as a career path, and worked to create conditions that continue to make the Hampton School District a desirable place to work.
The agreement outlines step salary increases for educators based on each year of additional work experience, which aligns the rate paid to teachers in Hampton more closely to that of its neighboring districts.
“We are very pleased with this agreement as we believe that it accomplishes the shared goals of all the parties involved,” Superintendent Lois Costa said. “The ability to attract and retain talented educators is a top priority of the District and one that directly impacts our students and their educational experience. Bridging the wage gap will help us to accomplish this priority and in turn, support the success of our student population.”
Additionally, teachers will pay an additional 2.25% over the three years toward their health insurance contributions, which will result in savings to the district’s health insurance costs.
“Over the past two years, our educators have worked very hard to provide our students with the support that they need to learn and grow, amid COVID-19 challenges, changes to the education landscape and staff shortages. This agreement helps to recognize their perseverance and the good work that they do daily for our students. Thank you to everyone who worked to bring this agreement to a consensus,” said School Board Chair Les Shepard.
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