Chester Upland Teachers Secure Five-Year Contract for Stability

Teachers in the Chester Upland School District have successfully negotiated a new five-year contract, marking a significant development for the district and its educators. The agreement between the Chester Upland School District (CUSD) and the Chester Upland Education Association was formally approved during a monthly meeting held on January 22, 2024. The contract, which spans from July 2026 to June 2031, aims to provide long-term stability for both teachers and students.

Details regarding the contract’s specific terms have not been disclosed. However, district officials expressed optimism about the impact of this agreement on the educational environment. According to the district’s announcement, the contract reflects months of negotiations focused on improving teaching conditions and supporting the district’s ongoing recovery efforts.

Dr. Latrice N. Mumin, Superintendent of Schools, emphasized the collaborative nature of the agreement. “This agreement is the result of collaboration and good-faith negotiations by all parties involved,” Dr. Mumin stated. “I want to thank our educators, union leadership, district administration, and partners for their dedication to reaching an agreement that brings stability to our schools and classrooms. A five-year contract provides consistency for our educators and, most importantly, ensures our scholars benefit from a focused and stable learning environment as we continue moving the district forward.”

The importance of this contract extends beyond its duration. Nafis Nichols, the school district receiver, highlighted its role in establishing financial and structural stability. “From a receivership and fiscal oversight perspective, this five-year agreement is a critical step toward long-term stability for the district,” Nichols noted. “Since taking this position, my focus has been on responsible financial management and putting the district on a path toward stability and eventual return to local control. Long-term agreements like this support clear planning, strengthen oversight, and help ensure we are good stewards of public resources while recognizing the value of our educators.”

The teachers’ union president, Caitlin Merto, described the contract as a victory for educators and students alike. “This is a meaningful win not just for CUEA, but for CUSD as a whole,” Merto remarked. “Securing this five-year contract finally gives our members the consistency and stability they deserve, and the ability to focus on what truly matters most: our students. Our members’ deep belief in the Chester Upland community and fierce advocacy for students have driven their commitment through years of pay freezes, one-year contracts, and ongoing instability. This agreement provides stability for both our members and the District, and supports the retention and recruitment of high-quality educators. While there is still work ahead, this agreement represents real progress and an important step forward in our continued collaboration with the District.”

This new contract is not only a commitment to the teachers but also a strategic move for the district’s future, ensuring that educational standards remain high and that students can thrive in a stable learning environment. As CUSD works towards recovery and improvement, this agreement signifies hope and determination for all involved.