School Committee Collective Bargaining Updates

The Tewksbury School Committee plays a significant and pivotal role in the collective bargaining process. The collective bargaining process is led by the School Committee and involves negotiations between employers (in this case, the school district) and employee representatives (unions) to establish terms and conditions of employment. 

The School Committee continues to be the “employer” of school employees for collective bargaining purposes. (G.L. c. 150E, [[section]] 1)  the chief executive officer (town manager, or his or her designee) may participate and shall vote as a member of the School Committee in collective bargaining.  

The School Committee’s role in collective bargaining is multifaceted, involving representation, decision-making, policy development, budgetary considerations, and communication with stakeholders. The goal is to reach fair and mutually acceptable agreements that balance the interests of both the school district and its employees.

LEGAL REF.:  M.G.L. 150E:1 et seq.

REF: DESE laws and regulations, advisory on school governance