In the February 10, 2025 meeting, the DEA and the Negotiations Subcommittee spent a significant portion of the meeting discussing proposals on the table that would address paid time off (PTO). 

The School Committee’s proposed package included:

• Expanded sick leave benefits for Unit A members with children or household family members who are sick, 
• Removed restrictions around sick time  for new Unit A members, and
• Added specific language regarding sick and personal time that encourages strong attendance to benefit student instruction. 

While the DEA rejected the package, there was a productive discussion around the content of the individual proposals. The DEA’s PTO proposals on the table covered: 

• Missed preparation time, 
• Giving a permanent voting majority to Unit A for the Sick Leave Bank Committee, personal days, 
• Expanded sick leave buy back, sick bank donation, family sick time, and expanded parental leave. 

The Negotiations Subcommittee shared feedback on these proposals and rejected the DEA proposals based on their impact on the Negotiations Subcommittee’s package of proposals.