Boston Teachers Union Set to Begin Mediation

Calls on the Boston Public Schools Administration to engage in a speedy and fair process

June 4, 2012

Boston – This Wednesday, the Boston Teachers Union and the Boston Public Schools Administration will begin the process of mediation to end an almost 2 year long stalemate on contract negotiations.  In preparation of the mediation, Richard Stutman, President of the Boston Teachers Union, has called on the Superintendent and her team to engage in an earnest negotiation that is fair to all, while ensuring the children within the Boston Public Schools are provided the top-notch education they deserve.

“The children have always come first for the over 7,000 members of the Boston Teachers Union.  We have long understood that every successful member of our society has had  his or her life touched by an amazing teacher who helped shape his or her future success,” said Stutman.  “We urge the BPS to engage us with an open and honest dialogue that allows for a speedy resolution to our differences.  We also look forward to reaching agreements where we have found common ground that will allow for the needed reforms that will achieve more student success and teacher effectiveness,” added Stutman. 

To date, the BTU and the BPS have reached general agreements on a more effective teacher transfer and re-assignment process.  They have also found general agreements on reforms aimed at creating increased participation and a voice for parents, teachers and students.  Both sides have also made significant progress on crafting a more effective and timely performance evaluation process. There are also a number of areas under discussion that focus around positive incentives and an extended day for all Boston Public Schools that will be a worthwhile use of time and not just be a longer day.

“We are committed to a successful mediation, and look forward to an open discussion that provides a resolution to this contract negotiation,” said Stutman.  “We are confident that a prompt resolution can be found that is good for students, affordable to the city, and fair to our members to ensure that our children are given the top flight education that they deserve and the teachers of the BTU aim to provide,” added Stutman.

                                                      ####

CONTACT:

Richard Stutman                                                                        

President, BTU                             

180 Mount Vernon St.                   

Dorchester, MA 02125             

(617) 288-2000                            

rstutman@btu.org