Newton Schools Closed Monday as Teacher Strike Persists

Newton schools will remain closed on Monday as teachers and the school committee failed to reach an agreement on a new contract, resulting in the seventh day of student absence due to the teacher strike. The main issues include better pay for paraprofessionals, parental leave, and more social workers on staff. Both sides negotiated but failed to reach a compromise, with the school committee claiming the teachers proposed a "take it or leave it" offer, while the Newton Teachers Association argued that their proposals were reasonable and necessary. The NTA has been racking up fines for the illegal strike, and tensions remain high as the strike continues.