The Charlottesville City School Board has voted unanimously to formally adopt its first collective bargaining agreement with the Charlottesville Education Association (CEA), representing teachers and other certified staff. The contract will be for the 2025-26 school year.

“This historic milestone reflects months of collaborative work, rooted in mutual respect and a shared commitment to student success,” said Board Chair Emily Dooley.

The Board voted on this resolution at its March 27 meeting.

At a time when many surrounding divisions are grappling with cuts, this contract includes a 5.5% pay increase for all teachers —an investment that helps Charlottesville remain competitive in recruiting and retaining the high-quality professionals who serve our students every day.

The agreement also strengthens the daily experience of educators in the classroom by guaranteeing planning time per week for all teachers and creating structures for shared governance through joint labor-management committees. These provisions ensure teachers have time to plan effectively and a voice in the decisions that shape their work and schools.

CEA President Shannon Gillikin noted, “This agreement signifies a new chapter in how we support and empower our educators. We are excited about the way this contract honors the work that educators do everyday and strengthens the partnership between CCS and CEA.”

Charlottesville is one of the first school divisions in Virginia to reach such an agreement. 

Dooley added, “The Board especially wants to recognize the school division’s negotiating team for approaching this work with creativity and integrity. Their thoughtful, solutions-oriented approach helped produce an agreement that balances fiscal responsibility with strong support for educators.”

Superintendent Royal Gurley added, “This agreement is a testament to the value we place on our educators and their essential role in shaping student success. We are proud of this accomplishment, grateful for the partnership of the Charlottesville Education Association, and optimistic about what this collaboration will mean for our schools, our staff, and—most importantly—our students.”