The Arlington School Board has certified a new collective bargaining agreement (CBA) with the Arlington School Administrators (ASA), marking a continued effort to formalize employment conditions for administrative staff in Arlington Public Schools (APS). This successor agreement, effective for three years, builds on APS’s position as one of the first school divisions in Virginia to certify such an agreement for administrators. Alongside Richmond Public Schools and Montgomery County Public Schools, APS is now among the few divisions in the state with comprehensive administrative CBAs.
The new agreement addresses various issues including compensation, leave policies, grievance procedures, professional development, and other benefits for administrative staff. Adjustments have been made to salary schedules, and there is a three-year plan for Cost-of-Living Adjustments (COLA). The contract also introduces logistical support for expanding APS’s Extended Day Program and provides more flexibility in how members can use their allotted leave by allowing it to be taken in one-hour increments. Guidelines for summer professional development scheduling are now codified.
A Labor-Management Committee will be formed under this agreement to discuss hiring practices and address outstanding issues. Provisions from the previous CBA—such as annual step increases, bereavement leave, conversion of excess annual leave, and limits on bonus leave days—remain unchanged.
Superintendent Dr. Francisco Durán stated: “This successor agreement reflects our commitment to supporting our administrative staff. Through this collaborative effort, APS is continuing to raise the bar for excellence and equity in education. A comprehensive bargaining agreement is about more than contracts—it helps create stability, trust, and shared responsibility, strengthening staff, improving district effectiveness, and better serving students.”
Pam Farrell, ASA President, commented: “Reaching this agreement took over two years of sustained focus and work from everyone involved. Successful negotiations require careful listening, constructive dialogue, and a sustained willingness to find common ground. We appreciate the collaborative effort that was shown this year by APS, which made the outcome possible for Arlington Administrators. The efforts undertaken this year have established a base for continued cooperation and future agreements; constructive engagement remains key to advancing shared goals.”
School Board Chair Bethany Zecher Sutton added: “The School Board is proud to approve the successor Administrative Agreement. This robust agreement significantly expands the numbers of topics covered and will benefit our valued APS administrative employees.”
Bargaining teams from both APS and ASA participated in negotiations over more than two years leading up to certification of this agreement.
Collective bargaining allows employers like APS to negotiate with employee groups regarding terms of employment through designated bargaining agents or associations. In May 2022, the Arlington School Board established three distinct bargaining units at APS through its Collective Bargaining Resolution; each unit has since elected its own exclusive agent.
