Article 18:
ASSA Collective Bargaining Agreement
Warrant Article Language
Shall the Amherst School District approve all cost items included in the Collective Bargaining Agreement reached between the
Amherst School Board and the Amherst Support Staff Association (ASSA) which calls for the following estimated increases in
salaries and benefits at the current staffing level over the amount paid in the prior fiscal year:
| Fiscal Year | Estimated Increase | Estimated Tax Impact |
|---|---|---|
| 2027 | $167,298 | $0.07 per thousand |
| 2028 | $160,342 | $0.07 per thousand |
| 2029 | $159,111 | $0.07 per thousand |
| 2030 | $166,294 | $0.07 per thousand |
and further to raise and appropriate the sum of $167,298 for the 2026-2027 fiscal year, such sum representing the additional
costs attributable to the increase in salaries and benefits required by the new agreement over those that would be paid at current staffing levels? Majority vote required.
Recommended by the Amherst School Board (5-0)
Recommended by the Amherst School District Ways & Means (advisory budget committee)(7-0)
Estimated tax impact of passing this article is: $0.07 per thousand.
BOARD EXPLANATION
This article presents a new four-year collective contract with the Amherst Support Staff Association, replacing a three-year agreement that expires June 30, 2026. This contract provides our essential support staff with competitive, reasonable increases and greater stability. If the contract does not pass, the current contract remains in effect. Support Staff members will not receive an increase, and attracting and retaining employees in this category will pose a challenge for the district.
AMHERST WAYS AND MEANS COMMITTEE COMMENTS
The Ways and Means committee supports the proposed agreement with the Amherst Support Staff Association by a 7-0 vote. This agreement covers a wide variety of non-teaching positions critical to the daily functioning of Clark-Wilkins and Amherst Middle Schools. The agreement is more costly on a year-over-year basis than previous agreements but Ways and Means recognizes the need for these positions to be better compensated for attracting and retaining employees. When the school district is hiring for these positions, not only are they competing with surrounding school districts, but the private industry as well. The committee supports the new salary structure and annual increases to wages. We also recognize the district’s creativity in providing additional benefits, from extended bereavement leave to longevity bonuses to parental leave. W&M also commends the school board and ASSA for agreeing to modify the health insurance contribution ratios and options.
VOICE OF THE VOTER
This section provides voters and residents an opportunity to voice their opinions on the warrant articles. If you have an opinion you want to share please use the form below.