Negotiations Updates

The Malden Public Schools and Malden School Committee are dedicated to providing accurate and timely information regarding the collective bargaining process. We are committed to reaching agreements that serve the interests of all our students, families, employees, and the whole Malden community. This page will provide facts, answers to frequently asked questions, and regular updates to the public based on available information.

2025 School Committee Negotiations with MEA

The Malden School Committee (MSC) and the Malden Education Association (MEA) began negotiations pertaining to a new Collective Bargaining Agreement at the opening session on January 23, 2025. The current Agreement will expire on August 31, 2025.

Jan. 23 Statement from the Malden School Committee Regarding Contract Negotiations

Jan. 23 Overview of School Committee Proposals

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Schedule of Meetings

The School Committee and the MEA have agreed to open negotiations. All meetings are open to the public to observe, but members of the public are not permitted to speak or participate in negotiations. Unless otherwise noted, all meetings will take place in the City Council Chambers at Malden City Hall.

Agenda

Public meeting at City Hall; Agenda to be posted

Public meeting at City Hall; Agenda to be posted

Current Contracts

Unit A 2022-2025 Agreement

Unit B 2022-2025 Contract

Unit C 2022-2025 Contract

Frequently Asked Questions

Overview

Collective bargaining is a process in which a group of employees, represented by a union, negotiate with their employer to determine the terms and conditions of their employment, such as wages, benefits, working hours, and other workplace policies, through a collective agreement or contract

To begin negotiations, ground rules are presented and both parties have historically agreed to these rules to guide the negotiations. Both the School Committee and the MEA will present a list of proposals of changes they wish to make in the existing contract, including adjustments to salary and benefits. A series of negotiation meetings allow both sides to discuss and amend their proposals. Neither party is required to make concessions or agree to specific proposals, but both sides must negotiate in good faith. When the parties reach agreement, that agreement must be ratified by the members of the MEA and approved by the full School Committee. After ratification and approval, the agreement becomes effective.

  • Salaries, Wages, Other Compensation
  • Benefits
  • Work Hours and Schedules
  • Roles and Responsibilities
  • Working Terms & Conditions
  • Hiring, Evaluation, Discipline, and Other Procedures
  • Jennifer Spadafora, Malden School Committee Vice Chair and Malden School Committee Chair
  • Sharyn Rose-Zeiberg, Malden School Committee Malden School Committee Member
  • Keith Bernard, Malden School Committee Malden School Committee Member
  • Dr. Timothy Sippel, Superintendent of Schools
  • Komal Bhasin, Assistant Superintendent, Teaching and Learning
  • Pamela MacDonald, Assistant Superintendent, Student Services
  • Dr. Sarah McLaughlin, Assistant Superintendent, Human Resources
  • Toni Mertz, Director of Finance and Operations
  • Van Huynh, Salemwood School Principal
  • Howard Greenspan, Attorney for the Malden School Committee
  • Maria Luise, Special Assistant to the Mayor, City of Malden

MEA Core Bargaining Team

  • Colleen Dias, Beebe
  • Dawn O’Toole, Beebe
  • Kristina Diggin, ELC
  • Jodi Lavita, ELC
  • Suzanne Millett, Forestdale
  • Lucas Friedlaender, Forestdale
  • Jessica Grondin, Ferryway
  • Tim Stratford, Ferryway
  • Violet Walsh, Ferryway
  • Kerri Floramo, Ferryway
  • Katie Carter, Linden
  • Erin Craven, MHS/District-Wide
  • Alison Fornash, MHS
  • Beccah Griffith, MHS
  • Eddy Lau, MHS/Tech
  • Rachel LeBlanc, MHS
  • Jessica Gold Boots, MHS
  • Ross Bowbridge, Salemwood
  • Jane Wright, Salemwood
  • Doug Dias, District-Wide
  • Deb Gesualdo, President, MEA

The Malden Education association represents three bargaining units:

  • Unit A: teachers, guidance counselors, school adjustment counselors, library/media specialists, nurses, therapists, Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBAs), curriculum coaches, computer technicians
  • Unit B: curriculum directors, program managers, assistant principals/house principals
  • Unit C: classroom Education Support Professionals (ESPs), 1:1 ESPs, Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs), Licensed Practical Nurse (LPNs), Certified Medical Assistant (CMAs), and Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants (COTAs)

You can always contact your School Committee representative for more information on School Committee proceedings including contract negotiations.

Due to close family ties to Malden Education Association members, some committee members have recused themselves from negotiations.

Compensation

  • Salary: Members receive an annual salary. Salary levels are determined by Lane status, Step Status, and a Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) each year.
  • Stipends: Members may take on additional responsibilities and/or leader ship roles that are funded with additional stipends.
  • Longevity Bonuses: Starting in the 10th year, members are eligible for longevity bonuses with increases every five years.
  • Benefits: Benefits such as health insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, life insurance, and access to the Massachusetts State Teachers Retirement System.
  • Lane Status is determined by a member’s education level, including any additional credits they may have from professional development experiences. Lanes include: Bachelor, Bachelor plus 15 credits, Masters, Masters plus 15 credits, Masters plus 30 credits, Masters plus 45 credits, and Masters plus 60 credits. Members change lanes after they meet the education requirements of the next lane.
  • Step Status is based on experience. Members are regularly granted step level increases on a yearly basis.
  • COLA is a Cost Of Living Adjustment. This is a negotiated percentage increase in salary at agreed-upon intervals over the term of the contract.