October 11, 2023 By Hingham Public Schools
Hingham Public Schools is pleased to announce that the Hingham Public Schools Bus/Van Drivers Association has ratified a new contract with the Hingham School Committee. After two productive negotiation sessions, the School Committee and Bus/Van Drivers Association agreed on a number of proposals brought forth by the union and the School Committee. The new contract, which will run from 2023-2026, includes provisions aimed at enhancing driver support, ensuring a safer environment for both drivers and students, and enhancing wages and benefits, retroactive to July 1, 2023 to coincide with the expiration of the prior contract.
“We appreciate both the School Committee and School Department for working with us in such good faith and promptly resolving our negotiations,” stated Sandra Fischer and Suzanne Tocchio, Bus/Van Drivers Association Representatives.
On behalf of the School Committee Salary & Negotiation Subcommittee, subcommittee Chair, Kerry Ni, thanks the Bus/Van Drivers Association negotiating team for their collaboration and commitment to its members. “Both the Bus and Van Drivers Association and the Committee brought thoughtful proposals, tailored to support our Hingham drivers further and to ensure that they are fairly compensated for the important work they do for our students. This resulted in thoughtful discussions and a contract that will benefit our drivers and our students.”
School Committee Chair, Nes Correnti said “Negotiating a successful contract requires understanding, empathy, and strategic collaboration. I am delighted that the Bus and Van Drivers Association has ratified the proposed successor contract and look forward to a School Committee vote to ratify the contract at our next scheduled meeting on October 16. On behalf of the School Committee, I want to extend our gratitude to the dedicated bus and van drivers across the district, tirelessly ensuring the safe transportation of our students to and from school and various activities. Hingham’s successful transportation program owes its success to the hardworking individuals who operate and maintain our fleet.”
Why so quick on this contract when other contracts like para-educators and teachers are taking so long? Para-educators continue to discuss substituting policies, longevity payments, CPR training, and sick leave, but no action from The School Committee. In fact the committee has “thrown in the towel” saying they are at an impasse, and refuse to respond on money questions or anything else. You get this info from the parties that attend the meetings. The School Committee is refusing to allow the public to come observe negotiations, despite the fact that the para-educators have proposed this in order to increase transparency. They are hiding behind “executive session”. What the town really needs is transparency in this process for both the teachers and the para-educators