School Nurses in Newark Public Schools Reach Landmark 5-Year Agreement

NEWARK, N.J. – The district’s school nurses overwhelmingly ratified a groundbreaking five-year contract with a decisive 66-2 vote. The agreement provides 4.5 percent annual raises with an increase in work-hour alignment with other school staff.

The agreement marks the district’s 17^th successful contract negotiation with its nine collective bargaining units, continuing a streak of successful negotiations under local control by Superintendent León’s leadership since 2018.

“Our nurses play a vital role in the health and well-being of our students every day, and this contract reflects our deep appreciation for their dedication,” said Superintendent León. “I am proud that we have reached yet another successful agreement, reinforcing our ongoing efforts to invest in our educators and staff because of the vital role they play for our students.”

The Superintendent thanked and acknowledged Assistant Superintendent of Human Resource Services Dr. Yolanda Mendez, Director of Labor Relations Scott Carbone, Executive Director of Health Services Dr. Marguerite Leuze, and Employee Relations Officer Mamie Osei-Bonsu for their efforts during the negotiations.

“Our school nurses are an essential part of the Newark Public Schools family, providing the care and support that keep our students healthy and ready to learn,” said Board of Education President Hasani K. Council. “We are proud to have reached an agreement that reflects our district’s commitment to valuing and investing in all of our employees. On behalf of the entire Board, I want to thank Superintendent León and the negotiation team members for all their efforts in reaching this important agreement.”

Similar to the current Newark Teachers Union contract, the new agreement raises the starting salary for instructional certified nurses from $65,000 in September 2024 to $74,000 by 2029—a total increase of 13.8 percent over five years. Non-instructional registered nurses will receive 90 percent of the salary structure outlined in the agreement.

The new contract reduces salary guide steps from 19 to 16, enabling nurses to reach top pay faster. Step advancements will occur only on July 1 for those who worked at least 91 days the previous school year.

Tuition reimbursement more than doubles, rising from $26,500 to $60,000, with a $600 per credit cap—giving nurses greater access to further education at any New Jersey college or university.

While waiting for this agreement to be ratified, school nurses’ schedules were already aligned with other district staff, extending their workday from 6 hours, 40 minutes to a full 7 hours. Additionally, nurses will now actively participate in Back-to-School Nights and parent-teacher conferences, further strengthening their contact with families as well as their role in students’ well-being.