Despite 'Progress' Newton Teachers Strike Cancels School Thursday As No Deal Reached

NEWTON, MA — Newton Public Schools will be closed for a fifth straight school day on Thursday after no deal was reached in the contract impasse despite the Newton Teachers Association reporting some "progress made today."

The NTA could be facing fines of up to $200,000 for the illegal strike if they remain on the picket lines into Friday. Massachusetts law prohibits strikes by teachers and other municipal sectors.

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The NTA posted a message on its social media early Wednesday evening citing some progress in the areas of raises and parental leave policy.

The School Committee said it "engaged in a very productive day of bargaining with the Newton Teachers Association, but still have not reached agreement."

Negotiations were set to resume Thursday morning.

"This has never been about 'winning," Mayor Ruthanne Fuller said in a statement Wednesday night. " I respect our teachers and admire the work they do. It is all about reaching consensus on a competitive and sustainable contract with our terrific teachers, one that will not result in program, service or staff reductions either in the School Department or our other vital city departments from police and fire, to Public Works and Parks, Recreation & Culture, and more."

NTA members were out of the classrooms and back on the picket lines for a fourth straight school day on Wednesday as negotiators called the gap in contract proposals "a social justice issue" and the union faced escalating fines.

A Middlesex Superior Court judge imposed fines that doubled each day of the strike starting at $25,000 on Monday.

The NTA said on Wednesday morning that a delegation of clergy would be going to Mayor Ruthanne Fuller's office at 11 a.m. to deliver an open letter urging the mayor and School Committee to "release the funds necessary to adequately address the concerns raised by the Newton Teachers Association in the current negotiations."

The strike was declared amid a five-month contract impasse with the teachers calling for a new deal with pay increases, better paid parental leave, increased mental health support for students, and guaranteed time to prepare coursework and collaborate with colleagues.

Newton teachers voted last Thursday afternoon to walk off the job effective Friday morning after the union said 98 percent of its membership voted in favor of the strike.

Superintendent Anna Nolin said that all school buildings will be closed — with all school-related events canceled — for the duration of the strike.

All school days missed due to the strike will have to be made up at some point during this academic year.