Newton schools close Monday as teacher strike continues
Newton Schools will be closed Monday, after negotiators failed to reach a contract agreement over the weekend to end the Newton Teachers Association strike.
“We need the mayor to stop doing one thing,” said NTA President Mike Zilles, speaking after negotiations ended at 7:30 p.m. Sunday. “We need her to stop saying she supports the schools and they’re her priority. Because they’re not, and we need her to make her priority by funding them.”
The 2,000-member NTA voted to authorize a strike on Friday after a yearand-a-half of contract negotiations and nearly five months since their 3-year contract expired.
On Friday, a Middlesex Superior Court judge ordered the teachers to return to work and instituted fines if they failed to do so by 3 p.m. Sunday. Striking is illegal for public employees under Massachusetts state law.
“It is frustrating and deeply disappointing to report that Newton’s schools will be closed again tomorrow, Monday, Jan. 22,” Mayor Ruthanne Fuller said in an email to families after 8 p.m. “I believe firmly the adults can negotiate to resolve these issues and have a competitive contract that honors our teachers and is sustainable for our community …. while our children are in school learning.”
The NTA has cited sticking points over issues including increased mental health supports for elementary and middle school students, paid parental and family leave and living wages for living wages, especially for unit C positions like teacher’s assistants and behavior therapists.
In their statement around 5 p.m. Sunday, the School Committee accused NTA bargaining members of stalling negotiations throughout the day and increasing demands.
NTA spokesperson Ashley Raven, a preschool special education teacher of 12 years, said the bargaining team needed time to review changes Sunday morning after the School Committee representatives turned in a written proposal only 15 minutes before the end of negotiations Saturday.
“We have been trying to show up prepared with a sense of urgency to bargain and negotiate so that we all can get back into our classrooms,” said Raven. “And we’re not feeling that same sense of urgency from the School Committee. Yet they are the ones who are telling the community that we are the reason why students will not be in school tomorrow.”
Members also sparred with Fuller in a statement Sunday, even meeting at a press event just before 5 p.m. At the 7:30 p.m. press conference Zilles accused Fuller of refusing to fully fund schools and urged the School Committee to “challenge” her.
NTA members and a range of supporters marched along picket lines at the Newton Education Center, then City Hall throughout Sunday afternoon.
“The people have been really exciting and supportive and empowering,” said Raven.