Thursday, November 8, 2018
PROVIDENCE, RI – Mayor Jorge O. Elorza and the Providence Teachers Union (PTU) President Maribeth Calabro today announced that the City of Providence has reached a tentative agreement for a contract with the PTU, which represents over 1,900 members in the Providence Public Schools District. Negotiations have been on-going since the previous contract expired in late August 2017.
“This agreement is a step in the right direction for our Providence school community as we seek transformational changes in our school system,” said Mayor Elorza. “We are working hard to ensure that our students are learning in schools that inspire them. We are encouraging school-based autonomy and personalized learning because our students are unique and each child has so much potential. This contract allows us to better support our kids by supporting our teachers’ skill development.”
The tentative three-year agreement includes wage increases for members along with:
- Provisions to continue school-based autonomy in Providence Public Schools
- Expanded summer learning and instruction opportunities
- Increased professional development opportunities for teachers
- Additional incentives for English Language Learner and Advanced Degree credentials
“The leadership of the PTU is pleased that we could reach a tentative agreement that respects teachers and supports the need to address summer learning loss and the ability to continue our positive, collaborative relationship with the district in the best interest of our students,” added President Calabro.
The entire tentative agreement will be presented to the membership of PTU and considered for ratification. Upon passage, the contract will then be sent to the City Council for ratification.