New School Year, Old Problem for Watertown Teachers – No Contract

Each morning, Watertown teachers stand in front of their schools hold signs asking for a contract. They are entering the second year without a contract and many have taken the step to cut back voluntary activities, such as leading field trips, coming in early or staying late and spending their own money on classroom supplies.

Debra King, Watertown Educators Association president, said she has heard positive reaction to the teacher’s sign holding.

“We have had a lot of positive response from parents and support from people in the community,” King said. “You’ll never get 100 percent to agree.”

A parent of a high school student, who did not want her name used, said that she is frustrated by the fact that homework assignments are no long posted on the Internet.

“They have stopped posting homework assignments online which I personally consider very unprofessional. I relied on this to keep my high school child on track. I don't know how I'll be able to figure what is due when,” the parent wrote in an email.

Also, her son used to get to school early to get settled and look at notes, but he can no longer do so.

The parent noted that she supported the teacher until they started doing only things they are required to under the contract.

The “working to the contract” began last June, soon after accusing the School Committee and administration of negotiating in bad faith.

The Watertown Educators Association and the Watertown Public Schools negotiating team came to a preliminary agreement, and the teachers ratified the contract in April. (Town Manager Michael Driscoll also had a vote)

Both King and School Committee Chairman Anthony Paolillo said this week that they want to settle the contract as soon as possible.

“We share the concerns parents have,” Paolillo said. “I am confident we will settle, but it is a very challenging financial time.”

The two sides only sat down twice over the summer break – at the beginning and end of August – King said.

She said the teachers do not like having to take actions to press for a contract.

“None of us like where we are,” King said.

She argues that the lack of a contract is driving teachers out of town. In a survey of teachers done before the contract negotiations started, 26 percent of teachers said they plan to leave Watertown within three years. The top reasons they gave for leaving were the general climate for teachers in schools, compensation and working conditions.

Paolillo said it is difficult to agree to a contract when the town’s budget, and therefore the school budget, is uncertain.

“I don’t want to be here a year from now cutting more jobs,” Paolillo said.