Shall the School District vote to approve the cost items included in the collective bargaining agreement reached between the Hampton School Board and the Seacoast Educational Support Professionals Association covering a four-year period from July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2029 which calls for the following increases in salaries and benefits at the current staffing levels:
Year Estimated Increase
2025-26 $ 163,339
2026-27 $ 172,369
2027-28 $ 171,573
2028-29 $ 151,990
and further raise and appropriate the sum of $163,339 for the 2025-26 fiscal year, such sum representing the additional costs attributable to the increase in salaries and benefits required by the new agreement over those that would be paid at current staffing levels in accordance with the most recent collective bargaining agreement? (Majority vote required.)
Recommended by the School Board 5-0-0. Recommended by the Municipal Budget Committee 8-0-0.
What it means: These professionals work in both general education and special education, providing services for students as required by their IEPs. There are 43 Paraprofessionals, with an average annual wage of $28,000. Most of these workers (75%) live in Hampton.
Those in favor say: The paraprofessional role demands a unique skill set and is often physically demanding.
If the CBA fails, paraprofessionals do not receive pay increases, steps, or health insurance offerings. Hampton’s paraprofessionals start at $21.49 per hour and are only eligible for single-person health insurance. This is not competitive with surrounding school districts, or businesses or retailers. The new contract allows for competitive health benefits, bringing our benefit structure in line with neighboring districts.
Hampton loses paraprofessionals at a 40% turnover rate, partly because we provide uncompetitive compensation and benefits. This is compounded by the high cost of living on the Seacoast, with the highest cost of living in all of New Hampshire.
Those opposed say: No one spoke against this Article at public meetings.
Fiscal Impact: Approval of this Article will increase taxes by $26.00 in the first year for the average household valued at $650,000. The cost per thousand dollars of valuation is 4 cents. In years 2, 3 and 4, the additional cost would be incorporated into the Default Budget.