Newton School Committee Chair: No Teacher Deal 'Frustrating'

NEWTON, MA — Newton School Committee Chair Ruth Goldman said that despite progress being made in contract talks for teachers in the city it is "challenging and somewhat frustrating for everyone involved" that the school year has begun without a new deal in place. Goldman was responding to a City Hall march from the Newton Teachers Association Wednesday morning protesting the lack of a new deal with the current contract set to expire Friday.

"When the School Committee and the Newton Teachers Association commenced our bargaining a year ago," Goldman said, "we felt confidence that we would have a contract in place by the beginning of the school year. While we have made much progress, and are in active negotiations, we have yet to settle. The negotiating teams will continue their hard work to resolve the outstanding issues and move forward from this place."

About 300 teachers carrying signs and wearing red NTA T-shirts took their protest to City HallWednesday morning on the first day of the new school year for faculty. NTA President Mike Zilles told Patch last week the march was planned as a statement after Newton Superintendent of Schools David Fleishman canceled the traditional opening day ceremony where Newton Mayor Ruthanne Fuller, Fleishman and Goldman would have been expected to speak with educators.

"The start of a school year is a hopeful and optimistic time," Goldman said. "Unfortunately, the issues related to contract negotiations are making this year challenging and somewhat frustrating for everyone involved."

Fuller issued a statement on Wednesday saying she offered to meet with Zilles and teachers at City Hall Wednesday morning, but that the request was turned down.

"You, the educators, are the heart and soul of our schools," Fuller said. "I came out here today because I wanted to be sure that I could hear you — loud and clear. I have been listening closely to you, not just today, but in the days and months leading up today. I read the postcards you sent. I see your signs."

Among the signs hoisted during the hour-long protest were those that read "Support Newton Educators For Better Schools" and "Don't Run Away On Opening Day."

Both Fuller and Goldman have pledged to work in good faith to reach an agreement with the NTA.

"The negotiating teams will continue their hard work to resolve the outstanding issues and move forward from this place," Goldman said. "We know, however, given their unwavering commitment to students, every Newton public school faculty and staff member will welcome students to their classrooms on Tuesday with enthusiasm and excitement. We look forward to settling the contract soon and having a terrific school year for all our union members and students."

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