Tense negotiations to end a lengthy teachers' strike in Newton, Massachusetts, are stuck on the issue of money, with students having missed 10 days of school. The school committee and union have reached agreements on various issues, but the main sticking point is teacher compensation. The union has called for more money in the city budget for teachers, while the school committee has voted to eliminate vacation days to make up for lost school days. State officials have asked for court intervention and are pushing for a resolution to get students back in the classroom.
Newton parents file an emergency motion in court to end the ongoing teachers' strike, citing detrimental effects on their children's education and well-being, particularly for those with special needs. The strike has caused emotional distress and disrupted routines for students, while also impacting working parents. The Newton Teachers Association (NTA) emphasizes the need for fair working conditions and adequate support for students, while the school committee highlights the financial gap in negotiations. The strike has led to the longest school closure in recent memory, with fines accumulating for the NTA, and calls for government intervention to resolve the dispute.
Newton Public Schools remain closed for a sixth day as the ongoing strike by the teachers union continues. Emotions ran high as the Newton Teachers Association expressed frustration with the school committee's negotiation approach, citing refusal to bargain and playing a "wait it out" game. The mayor's absence at negotiations and the imposition of fines on the union added to the tension. Amid court hearings and escalating fines, the teachers demand accountability and resolution, while the mayor emphasizes urgency. The situation remains challenging, with hopes for a swift resolution to bring children back to school.
Durham parents are bracing for another week of uncertainty as a pay dispute between Durham Public Schools (DPS) employees and the district continues, leading to widespread walkouts and understaffed schools. The dispute, caused by accidental overpayments and new work experience criteria, has left parents searching for answers and dealing with unforeseen problems, such as a lack of custodians at Jordan High School. DPS employee Valerie McNeil, who is currently living out of her car due to financial woes, expressed little optimism ahead of a special board meeting to discuss the issue, which will be closed to the public and media.
