September 23, 2025
Greetings to all!
As we soar into the fifth week of school, we hope that all of you are faring well and getting the support that you need! By now, all new staff should have met their union Building Rep(s). We are still seeking reps at several schools, either teacher or para reps or both. If you have an interest in representing, or would just like more information, please call us asap!
Teacher Union Meeting Notes ~ September 9th, 2025
1. Religious Day Requests ~ In accordance with contract language, an employee shall send a written request for a religious day to the superintendent and be granted as a reasonable accommodation up to three days of paid religious leave each school year. If anyone experiences issues with this, please let us know!
2. School Site Council ~ By law, all schools need to have an SSC. Every school’s website has a detailed description of the SSC, including names of members, agendas, meeting dates, and meeting notes. Any questions regarding the formation and/or implementation of an SSC should be referred to Asst. Supt. Alice Brown Legrand or to Superintendent Liam Skinner. If any SSC member does not feel that they have had input, they should express that to the principal and if results of discussions do not bring resolution, then contact Alice/Liam.
3. Water bottle filling stations will be maintained by school custodians. There are light signals to indicate filter end of life. If the light on the filter is red, it indicates a need to change the filter. Contact your custodian to change filters.
4. People’s Forum October 23, 2025 (being rescheduled) Lowell Senior Center ~ Watch for a flyer soon to be disseminated to all employees and SAVE THE DATE to attend this important event! UTL is working collaboratively with Citizens for Public Schools to gather voices of educators, students, parents, community members to help provide thoughtful and effective input to shape future high school graduation requirements. Please pass the word and join us!
5. Composition of Interview Committees for Positions at School Level ~ There should be a representative interview committee but principals do have the final say on the choice for each position.
6. When to expect lane increases for completed course work ~ Twice a year such increases occur. Get your credentials in by September and again by the end of February. You can expect increases in early October and then in March or April. All increases will be retroactive!
7. AHERA (Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act) ~ Sixteen (16) of our schools have some form of asbestos that must be closely monitored during each year. Parents at these schools must be notified by Sept. 1st each year. The reports are on the LPS Facilities website. Please call us if you have questions. 978-937-9039
Retirement Planning Workshop for AFT Members
Event date: Monday, October 6, 2025 - 5:00pm to 6:30pm
Address:
Online via Zoom
United States
Monday, October 6: Retirement Planning Workshop for Public Sector AFT Members
All public sector members are invited to join the AFT Massachusetts for a virtual retirement planning workshop on Monday, October 6, 2025, at 5 pm! AFT Massachusetts has partnered with Teacher Retirement Solutions (TRS), which specializes in providing independent financial guidance, strategies and solutions to educators, school employees, librarians, and their families throughout New England, to provide prospective retirees with this comprehensive workshop. TRS’ Certified Financial Planner John Gregorio and AFT Massachusetts Secretary-Treasurer Brant Duncan will cover a variety of topics, including the Massachusetts' public employee retirement formula, Social Security, and living in retirement. Register today!
AFT MassachusettsFall Conference
Event date: Saturday, November 15, 2025 - All day
Address: To be determined
United States
Join us on November 15th for this year's annual Fall Conference. We will have workshops focusing on leadership development and building a stronger local. This conference is open to all members. Local leadership and building reps in particular are encouraged to attend, as well as anyone looking to grow their union skills!
Save the date, additional details to follow!
Coming soon … UTL’s new Website! Watch for it!