Current Status
The board has unanimously ratified the new three-year contract with the South Portland Teachers’ Association (SPTA). The agreement was reached following a lengthy negotiation process that included filing for fact-finding.
Overview
- On November 3, 2025, the board unanimously voted to ratify the new three-year contract with the SPTA.
- During the October 6, 2025 meeting, the board chair reported that the teachers' union had filed for fact-finding, and a subsequent public comment period was dominated by support for the educators.
- The board added and held an executive session on September 8, 2025, to discuss confidential labor negotiations with the SPTA.
Perspectives
Board
- Expressed relief and gratitude upon ratifying the contract on November 3, 2025.
- Stated a commitment to a fair resolution during the October 6, 2025 negotiations update.
Staff
- Union representatives expressed relief and gratitude after the contract was ratified.
- The SPTA president and teachers spoke on October 6, 2025, about financial hardship, professional stress, and feeling undervalued, urging a settlement with retroactive pay and protections.
Citizens
- Dozens of parents and community members spoke on October 6, 2025, advocating for a fair contract and sharing personal stories in support of teachers.
Key Resolutions & Votes
| Date | Motion | Result |
|---|---|---|
| November 3, 2025 | To ratify the FY 2025-28 South Portland Teachers’ Association Contract | Passed |
| September 8, 2025 | To amend the agenda to add a second Executive Session pursuant to 1 M.R.S.A. §405 (6) (D) for discussion of collective bargaining with the South Portland Teachers Association following the regular meeting | Passed |
Meeting History
November 3, 2025
November 3, 2025 — School Board Meeting — SPSD
Teachers' Contract Ratified
The board unanimously voted to ratify the new three-year contract with the South Portland Teachers’ Association (SPTA). Board members and union representatives expressed relief and gratitude for reaching an agreement after a lengthy negotiation process.
October 6, 2025
October 6, 2025 — School Board Meeting — SPSD
Contract Negotiations
Board Chair Ratliff provided an update on negotiations with the ed techs (in mediation) and teachers (filed for fact-finding), stating the board is committed to a fair resolution. The subsequent public comment period was dominated by teachers, parents, and community members advocating for a fair contract for educators, highlighting issues of pay, benefits, job security, and respect.
Public Comment on Teacher Contracts
Dozens of speakers, including the SPTA president, teachers, parents, and a former student representative, voiced strong support for the teachers' union. They shared personal stories of financial hardship, professional stress, and feeling undervalued, urging the board to settle the contract with retroactive pay and protections for seniority and leave time.
September 8, 2025
September 8, 2025 — School Board Meeting — SPSD
Executive Sessions
The board voted to add an executive session to the agenda to discuss confidential labor negotiations with the South Portland Teachers Association. At the end of the public meeting, the board entered a separate executive session to discuss a personnel matter.