– a group of employees who work with students who have special needs.

The agreement extends from September 2024 to August 2026, and features a 3.25% increase in wages for the 2025-2026 school years and a 3% bonus for the years 2024-2025. This would be helpful so employees would fell that their work is worth it. also includes more reliable training programs and routine performance checks for staff, many of whom, have pushed for more respect and support in their roles.

This emphasis on support and recognition connects to ongoing efforts by Unit C employees, who are a part of the Lexington Education Association, or LEA. A large number of them have pursued greater compensation, increased opportunities for professional growth, and improved feedback of their work. Its important to take into perspective that it take more resources, time, effort, and patience to educate children with learning handicaps. This is why its important to reward the employees with what they deserve. Not to mention the rising inflation every year, making current wages increasingly difficult to even support housing in Massachusetts. Lexington Public Schools is known for Despite the crucial support they give to students with special needs, many reported feeling ignored and undervalued.

“We could not do this work without [Unit C],” said Superintendent Julie Hackett during the committee meeting, emphasizing their essential role. “They are so important and vital to our students’ success.”

LEA President Robin Strizhak acknowledged that while the wage increases did not meet the full demands of the Unit C bargaining team, the new agreement represents progress.

“We really want to have a conversation about sustainability,” Strizhak said. “We won’t be able to sustain the special education program without some of these really dedicated people.”

The contract also includes improved professional development. In the past, Unit C members often received minimal training — sometimes just an optional video — while full-time teachers in Unit A received more in-depth sessions. Now, all new paraprofessionals will complete training in restraint and de-escalation techniques and be placed in mentoring and induction programs. Some experienced staff will be paid $1,000 just to serve as mentors.

Another major change is regular evaluations. Under the new agreement, Unit C members will now be assessed at least once per year by a principal or assistant principal, and at least twice by their direct supervisor. In the past, many employees said they received little or no feedback and didn’t always know who supervised them.

District and union leaders say the new contract is a step toward not only building a more reliable and respectful work environment for employees. Some members of the LEA negotiations team may be included in the district’s planning process for the 2027 budget, allowing more perspectives to be seen, and better understanding on how financial decisions are made.