Union Reaches Contract Deal With New Rochelle Schools

NEW ROCHELLE, NY — If the New Rochelle school budget vote passes on May 18, staff in the district will likely have a new three-year labor agreement in place as well.

The City School District of New Rochelle and the New Rochelle Federation of United School Employees (FUSE) signed a memorandum of agreement on a three-year contract, retroactive to July 1, 2020. The two parties announced the new pact in a joint statement on Tuesday.

“FUSE is happy to have reached a tentative agreement with the district,” FUSE President Mary Claire Breslin said of the deal. “Our members have worked tirelessly throughout this pandemic. We are happy that this has been recognized with a fair settlement and look forward to working together with the district to ensure our students’ academic and social/emotional needs are met in a safe and nurturing environment.”

FUSE represents all staff members employed by the district, except supervisory, administrative and confidential positions. The 1300 member union bargains for teachers, counselors, teaching assistants and school-related professionals, including secretaries, custodians and teacher aides.

The agreement hinges on voters approving the 2021-22 school budget at the polls on May 18. The pact must be ratified by the Board of Education. Union members also have to vote up or down on the deal.

Both the school board and union leaders say the new collective bargaining agreement is expected to be officially signed and ratified soon after election day.

“The Board is thrilled we have arrived at an agreement,” City School District of New Rochelle President said. “We know that all our hardworking staff members are dedicated to the students of New Rochelle and are committed to ensuring that the District meets their educational, social and emotional needs. We believe that this agreement will position us to move forward, together.”