The BEU is pleased that the School Committee is finally countering our proposals – after months and months of showing no willingness to move and stalling negotiations at every turn. Contrary to what the School Committee has stated, we did not walk away from the table on May 9 and we made a counter proposal prior to their last proposal of the evening (which was an increase from their prior offer of ½ % more over 6 years). We have just sent the School Committee our latest counter proposal. We hope that the School Committee will work with us intensively in the next 2 days to reach a tentative agreement that can be signed by Thursday at 5 pm so the BEU can hold a ratification vote at our scheduled 7pm General Meeting.

Here’s what the BEU has proposed today (May 10) as a counter to the School Committee’s salary offer:

— 6% over three years, plus a 1% increase to start the following year for all money items

— 8% over the following three years, plus a 1% increase to start the following year for all money items.

We feel this is quite fair, as it meets the School Committee almost where they were, and by putting money on the end of the contract it gives them time to find the money to fund their contractual obligations. Our proposal also includes stipends and longevity. Longevity payments allow the 37% of educators who only get a cost of living increase to attempt to keep up with rising costs, showing that Brookline values our most experienced educators.

We insist on keeping working conditions proposals and racial justice provisions in our proposal, as they speak to the crushing workload and need for collaboration time that many of our members face and the importance of retaining our educators of color. However, despite many concessions and compromises that the BEU offered on these provisions over the past two years (including this week), the School Committee has steadfastly refused to offer any counter proposals about working conditions – directly impacting the conditions for students in the classroom!