Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
Officials in Marblehead, Gloucester, and Beverly all announced schools will once again be canceled as the teachers unions and school committees failed to reach a labor agreement.
Three North Shore school districts, Beverly, Gloucester, and Marblehead are all on strike, demanding higher wages for teachers and paraprofessionals alike.
In a letter sent home to parents in Marblehead, Beverly, and Gloucester, all announced class cancellation. However, Gloucester Superintendent Ben Lummis said students and parents should expect to be back in the classroom sooner rather than later.
“So while school will be closed tomorrow, Tuesday, November 19th, I want to signal to families and staff that they should make preparations to be in school on Wednesday, November 20th,” Superintendent Lummis said. “While this is not guaranteed, we have made tangible progress towards an agreement and everyone should be ready to return to school.”
Earlier Monday, students hosted rallies and marches to show support for their teachers during this strike from Beverly to Gloucester.
“They really put so much time and love and effort into their jobs and what they do and so my speech today is to say thank you to every level of teacher,” said Lexi Thomas, a senior at Gloucester High.
Schools will remain closed for a 7th day Tuesday in Gloucester and Beverly, and for a 6th day in Marblehead as this strike continues, but teachers say it’s been heartwarming to see all of this support from families.
“It gets me emotional because we want to be teaching, we want to be in schools, and we do this not because we get paid, but because it’s a career and it’s a passion,” said Abbi Ash, a Gloucester teacher.
The Marblehead School Committee says the two negotiating committees will continue bargaining into the evening.
The Beverly School Committee says they made a “significant offer” to the Beverly Teachers Association and “engage[d] in meaningful negotiations throughout the day.”
They also said due to the number of days students has missed, they’re considering canceling some or all of February or April vacation weeks, delaying graduation or weekend school. It is unclear if Marblehead or Gloucester schools will follow suit.
“Our teachers are not turning their backs on students during this strike, in fact I am proud to say they are teaching our students to stand up against systems that are failing them,” said Vanessa Ford, a parent in Beverly.
Several parents stood up to voice their support for teachers at the Beverly City Council meeting Monday night even though it’s been a challenge not having their kids in school for over a week now.
“I’m very concerned for her when school gets back into session because time off like this is detrimental to these kids,” said Stephanie, a Beverly parent during public comment. “These teachers are incredible, they go above and beyond their call of duty.”
Parents say while this strike has been tough, they support better wages for teachers and paraprofessionals.
“I go into the classrooms quite often, if there is a behavioral issue or emotional issue, who steps in but the paras, when a teacher’s out sick and there is no sub, who steps in? the paras,” said Stephanie.
The Beverly School Committee says increasing salaries for paraprofessionals is one of their top priorities during negotiations, and as of Monday, their proposal would set their pay range at 29 to 39 dollars an hour in a four-year contract.
All three school districts are facing hefty fines north of $70,000.
All canceled class days will be made up at the end of the school year, similar to that of a snow day.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.
Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts.
Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW
©2024 Cox Media Group
English