Albuquerque Public Schools (APS) disclosed on Aug. 2 that the Albuquerque Public Schools Board of Education has endorsed agreements with the teacher union, alongside the unions representing food and nutrition services workers and maintenance and operations employees. The Albuquerque Teachers Federation (ATF) agreement, encompassing over 6,200 educators, has been approved for a duration of two school years, according to a press release by APS.
"The contract that was passed last night by the APS Board of Education is the result of months of cooperative bargaining between Albuquerque Public Schools and the Albuquerque Teachers Federation," Superintendent Scott Elder said.
The newly established contract accounts for the mandated rise in instructional time and the incorporation of four extra days into the school calendar. The teacher union reports that educators will see an average increase of $5,000 compared to the previous year. The contract encompasses a 6% salary augmentation, along with a new supervision stipend introduced to enhance student safety during pre- and post-school hours. Moreover, stipends for athletic coaches, which have remained stagnant for 25 years, and for special education department chairs have also been raised as part of the agreement, according to the press release.
"While this new school year is marked with several changes for our students and staff, APS and ATF’s dedication to student outcomes and staff well-being is reflected in this contract," Elder said. "I am grateful for the ongoing support of the board of education as we work cooperatively between labor and management to meet the needs of our students and their families.”
The Communications Workers of America Food and Nutrition Services union, encompassing 390 employees, has reached an APS agreement for 6% raises, aligned with state mandates. The contract introduces increased minimum daily hours, 15 cent per hour raises for five years of service and similar increments thereafter. The Communications Workers of America Maintenance and Operations union, representing nearly 800 APS employees, also secured 6% raises and enhanced uniform and safety shoe allowances. The contract establishes entry-level pay for substitute custodians at $15 an hour and raises current substitute custodians' pay to that rate, according to the press release.