Saugus Teachers’ Contract Approved Amid Urgent Staffing Concerns

URGENT UPDATE: The Saugus School Committee has just approved a new contract for the Saugus Educators Association (SEA), but significant concerns about staffing levels and funding remain unresolved. The vote, held during the latest Committee meeting, saw only three members—John Hatch, Ryan Fisher, and Stephanie Mastrocola—in favor, while Vice Chair Thomas Whittredge opposed and Chair Vincent Serino abstained.

During the meeting, Serino expressed gratitude for the efforts of Hatch and Fisher, noting, “I know it’s not easy, and nothing’s ever perfect.” He emphasized the board’s apprehension regarding the financial implications of the contract, highlighting the urgent need for more educators in classrooms.

Fisher, who has worked on three contracts with Hatch, stated that the negotiations were extensive and aimed at balancing the needs of the district while ensuring a sustainable agreement. “If it was something where I looked at it and realized it was out of the scope of what is reasonable, it wasn’t something I could support,” Fisher explained, reflecting the careful deliberation that shaped this agreement.

Hatch echoed these sentiments, admitting, “It’s a very difficult process. At the end of the day, I really feel confident that the first and foremost thing that we try and do is watch out for the actual student in the classroom.” Despite their support, both Hatch and Fisher acknowledged the contract’s imperfections.

Whittredge, however, voiced strong opposition, arguing that while he believes in fair raises, the district’s financial reality cannot support such increases. “We can’t keep having more and more bodies come into the district and less and less help leaving the district,” he stated, raising alarms about potential layoffs and the impact on educational quality. He pointed to previous cuts that had already strained resources, emphasizing, “It’s not good for education; it’s not good for anybody.”

Mastrocola, newly elected in 2023, committed to transparency and noted that the rising number of students—up from 2,436 in 2022 to 2,831 in 2025—adds pressure to the staffing situation. She highlighted the increase in Individualized Education Plans (IEPs), which have surged from 657 to 1,302 in the same timeframe. “The message is clear: staffing is the most critical issue,” she declared.

As the meeting concluded, SEA President Kevin Fontanella expressed appreciation for the Committee’s decision, underscoring the importance of trust and communication going forward.

The approval of the contract is a significant step, but the School Committee faces urgent questions about how to effectively address staffing shortages and financial constraints. As the situation develops, the community watches closely, aware that the future of education in Saugus hangs in the balance.

WHAT’S NEXT: The Saugus School Committee must now navigate the complexities of funding and staffing to ensure that education standards are met. Stakeholders are urged to remain engaged as this critical issue unfolds.

Stay tuned for more updates as we monitor this developing story.