Current Status
Negotiations between the school board and the South Portland School Department Service Employees Association remain stalled, with the union seeking mediation to address ongoing contract disputes and critical staffing shortages.
Overview
- On October 14, 2026, SPESPA President Connie DeSanto addressed the board regarding dangerously low Ed Tech staffing levels and noted that the union has sought a mediator due to frustration over contract negotiations.
- On November 3, 2025, union leaders and staff urged the board during public comment to quickly settle the contract for educational support professionals.
- On May 30, 2024, the board voted unanimously to enter into executive session to discuss collective bargaining with the South Portland School Department Service Employees Association.
Perspectives
Staff
- Union leadership is frustrated with negotiations, has requested a mediator, and is open to temporary subcontracting to address critical Ed Tech staffing shortages.
- Staff and union representatives emphasize the crucial, underappreciated roles of ed techs, clerks, and office managers in the district.
Key Resolutions & Votes
| Date | Motion | Result |
|---|---|---|
| May 30, 2024 | to enter into Executive Session pursuant to 1MRSA§405(6)(D) to discuss collective bargaining with the South Portland School DepartmentserviceEmployeesAssociation | Passed |
Meeting History
October 14, 2026
October 14, 2026 — School Board Meeting — SPSD
Public Comment on Staffing and Negotiations
SPESPA President Connie DeSanto addressed the board regarding what she described as dangerously low staffing levels for Ed Techs, attributing the issue to budget cuts. She stated that the union has been open to temporary solutions like subcontracting but has been frustrated with negotiations and has sought a mediator, pushing back on claims that the union is preventing the district from staffing classrooms.
November 3, 2025
November 3, 2025 — School Board Meeting — SPSD
Public Urges Support Staff Contract Settlement
During public comment, multiple teachers and union leaders, including the presidents of the SPTA and SPESPA, urged the board to quickly settle the contract for the educational support professionals (SPESPA). Speakers highlighted the crucial role of ed techs, clerks, and office managers and called for the board to extend the same urgency to these negotiations.
May 30, 2024
May 30, 2024 — School Board Meeting — SPSD
Executive Session
The board voted unanimously to enter into ExecutiveSession pursuant to 1MRSA§405(6)(D) to discuss collective bargaining with the SouthPortlandSchool DepartmentserviceEmployeesAssociation.