UPDATE: The Saugus School Committee has just approved a new contract for the Saugus Educators Association (SEA), marking a pivotal moment in ongoing negotiations. This decision, made during the recent School Committee meeting, comes amid rising concerns about classroom staffing and budget sustainability.
During the vote, three members—John Hatch, Ryan Fisher, and Stephanie Mastrocola—supported the contract, while Vice Chair Thomas Whittredge opposed it, and Chair Vincent Serino abstained. The vote reflects significant tension within the committee regarding financial constraints and educational needs.
Serino expressed gratitude towards Hatch and Fisher for their efforts, emphasizing the challenges of negotiating a contract that meets both educational and financial expectations. “It’s not easy, and nothing’s ever perfect. We’d like to see more bodies in classrooms,” Serino stated, highlighting the urgent need for increased staffing.
Fisher reinforced the collaborative nature of the negotiations, stating they aimed to balance the needs of students, staff, and the district. He indicated this was the third contract he and Hatch had worked on, showcasing their commitment to finding a workable solution. “If it was out of the scope of what is reasonable, it wasn’t something I could support,” Fisher remarked.
Hatch echoed this sentiment, stating, “At the end of the day, I really feel confident that the first and foremost thing we try and do is watch out for the actual student in the classroom.” However, both Hatch and Fisher acknowledged the contract is not without flaws.
Whittredge voiced strong opposition to the contract, warning that the approved raises could jeopardize future funding. “We can’t keep having more and more bodies come into the district and less and less help leaving the district,” he cautioned, stressing that the financial implications could lead to layoffs and larger class sizes, which would negatively impact education quality.
Mastrocola, who took office in 2023, reaffirmed her commitment to transparency and addressing community concerns about staffing shortages. She highlighted alarming statistics: the student population has surged from 2,436 in 2022 to 2,831 in 2025, while the number of students with Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) has doubled, from 657 to 1,302.
Mastrocola’s remarks underscored a critical message: “Staffing is the most critical issue,” as she reiterated the community’s call for more educators to meet growing demands. The committee’s decisions, she noted, must also consider the long-term financial stability of the district.
As discussions concluded, SEA President Kevin Fontanella thanked the School Committee for their approval, emphasizing the importance of building trust and communication in the process. Yet, the challenges ahead remain daunting, and many committee members expressed uncertainty about the future.
With a growing student population and increasing needs, the Saugus School Committee faces a crucial balancing act. The implications of this newly approved contract will resonate throughout the community as stakeholders await further developments.
WHAT’S NEXT: The Saugus School Committee will need to navigate upcoming budget discussions carefully, addressing staffing shortages while ensuring financial sustainability. Parents, educators, and students alike are watching closely as these critical conversations unfold. This situation remains fluid, with the potential for significant changes in the near future.
