Andover Teachers Rally Against 'Unsafe And Chaotic' School Dismissals

ANDOVER, MA — Andover educators are rallying against what their union calls "unsafe and chaotic elementary dismissal practices" that the union says create unnecessary safety issues at the schools.

The Andover Education Association said members are being forced to stay past the end of their contractual workdays to facilitate the dismissal protocols that it charged are disorganized and "not good for our young learners."

"When this issue was brought to (former) Superintendent (Magda) Parvey's attention, she ignored us, directing building principals to continue a practice which exploits the goodwill of our members and creates unnecessary safety issues in our schools," the union said. "In a surprise to no one, this has again led to costly litigation, further enriching the law firm of Valerio, Dominello, and Hillman with taxpayer funds that should be invested in our schools."

The union said the rally is designed to call on Superintendent Keith Taverna and the Andover School Committee to implement changes to the dismissal process and "do the right thing for our students and our staff."