NEWTON, Massachusetts – The 15-day teachers strike in Newton has come to an end with a tentative agreement reached between the Newton School Committee and the Newton Teachers Association. This strike resulted in students missing 11 days of school, one of the longest school strikes in the state’s history. The strike began on January 18, leading to the cancellation of the upcoming February vacation and impacting winter sports season and after-school activities.
The tentative agreement includes a new four-year contract, which will require ratification from NTA members and a majority vote of the School Committee. Under the agreement, students will return to class on Monday, February 5 with a one-hour late start. Additionally, the contract highlights several key points such as significantly increased salaries for all aides, adjustments to salaries for the increased cost of living, additional social workers at the elementary level, and more staff to reduce class sizes at the high school level.
A statement from the school committee emphasized that the contract reflects their values including respect for educators and expanded support for students. NTA member Ryan Normandin expressed satisfaction with the agreement, stating that the union fought hard for the schools students and educators deserve. However, the NTA has been fined over $500,000 for the illegal strike, and on Friday, a judge ordered that fines for the union would be doubled from $50,000 to $100,000 a day starting Monday if no agreement was reached.
Mayor Ruthanne Fuller expressed her thrill at the agreement, ensuring that the contract is sustainable for the Newton Public Schools and the city, and no layoffs will occur. The mayor also emphasized that the funding for the contract came from the operating budget and the use of one-time funds in a judicious manner that doesn’t create fiscal cliffs. Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey’s administration got involved in the negotiations on Thursday, demanding status updates and requesting a court order binding arbitration if a deal was not reached by Friday.
The strike has been a painful experience for NPS families and the entire City of Newton, and the school committee acknowledged the need for healing, patience, and leadership from all adults in the NPS community. Newton School Committee Chair Chris Brezski highlighted that the agreement is competitive and will allow the district to provide what is necessary for the students.
The strike has caused significant disruption to the community, but with the agreement in place, students will soon be able to return to school and resume their education.