Andover Teachers Union Votes To Return To Schools

ANDOVER, MA — The Andover teachers union voted to return to school buildings Tuesday after teachers spent Monday working outside the high school. Members also took a vote of no confidence in Superintendent Sheldon Berman, the union said Tuesday morning.

"Educators will reluctantly enter school buildings on Tuesday under duress and hope that the School Committee will begin to negotiate reasonable health and safety benchmarks with us in good faith," the union said.

The announcement follows the School Committee's decision Monday evening to take legal action against the union, following teachers' refusal to enter school buildings for professional development on their first day Monday.

>>Andover School Committee Authorizes Legal Action Against Union

The union, which is demanding third-party documentation of building safety, among other things, called its action a matter of workplace safety. The district called it an illegal work stoppage and the School Committee voted to petition the state under a state law barring public employee unions from striking.

"Educators who participated in the safety action completed the work that was required on them," the union said in its statement. "The School Committee’s decision to pursue a labor charge further demonstrates the administration’s antagonistic stance toward educators."

The Andover Education Association represents educators, guidance counselors, psychologists, occupational and physical therapists, social workers, secretaries and nurses.

"Superintendent Berman has shown persistent disregard for educators," the union said regarding the vote of no confidence. "He does not respect our professionalism and fails to take a cooperative approach in addressing the many challenges that face the district.

"His behavior during the COVID-19 pandemic has reached a point where his autocratic style of management can no longer be tolerated, as it jeopardizes the health and safety of students, educators, and the community at large."

The union accuses Berman of ignoring its health and safety concerns and refusing to meaningfully answer questions from teachers with documented health issues.

"The district was prepared to train our staff on the safety protocols, cleaning protocols and health mandates developed to maintain a safe environment in all our school buildings," Superintendent Sheldon Berman said Monday. "It is a missed opportunity on the part of the AEA to see for themselves the precautions and care we have implemented on their behalf, and on behalf of our students."

Christopher Huffaker can be reached at 412-265-8353 or chris.huffaker@patch.com.