Share This Article
The Sudbury School Committee and the Sudbury School Nurses’ Association have officially ratified a new collective bargaining agreement, marking the end of a collaborative negotiation process in which the nurses sought pay parity with teachers.
The three-year agreement, which was approved by the School Committee on March 17, 2026, is retroactive to July 1, 2025, and will run through June 30, 2028.
A Shift Toward Pay Parity
The new contract introduces several structural changes designed to align nursing compensation more closely with the district’s educator pay scale. Key financial highlights include:
Cost-of-Living Adjustment: A 3.0% increase effective July 1, 2025.
New Salary Schedule: Starting July 1, 2026, nurses will transition from a 7-step salary schedule to a 16-step schedule, facilitating additional increases through step movement.
Advanced Degree Recognition: The agreement establishes a “Master’s lane,” providing higher compensation for nurses with advanced degrees.
Longevity and Growth: Longevity provisions have been updated to match educator structures, alongside enhanced support for professional development.
District leaders emphasized that the negotiations were grounded in respect and a shared commitment to the “essential role” nurses play in the school community.
School Committee Chair Karyn Jones noted that the committee heard a clear message regarding the need for nurses to feel “seen, valued, and supported.” She described the agreement as “meaningful progress” in recognizing their contributions to the district.
According to the announcement “The agreement is the result of a collaborative bargaining process involving the Sudbury School Committee, its Negotiations / Labor Relations Subcommittee, district administration, the Town Manager’s Office, and representatives of the Sudbury School Nurses’ Association.” The full collective bargaining agreement will be posted on the Sudbury Public Schools website for public viewing.