Teachers' Contract May Be in Place by Today

Today may be the last day of the ongoing teachers’ contract impasse, that is, if last night’s School Committee meeting at the is any indication.

School Committee chairwoman Angela Harkness announced that another mediation is scheduled for this morning due to what was described as significant progress made during the last mediation on Feb. 15.

The update was part of a series of updates that have occurred during the past several School Committee meetings in an attempt by Harkness to balance privacy agreed by both sides that would be needed to foster the negotiation process and help keep the public aware of pertinent details that impact the School Department.

Harkness indicated that at the Feb. 15 meeting the town’s negotiating team provided two offers and negotiators from the teachers’ side provided one offer.

Mediations ended once a member of the teachers’ side became ill according to the update.

At the last School Committee meeting, at times it appeared the agreement not to disclose in depth details would be removed if a contract resolution wasn’t reached by this point, but there was no indication of that sentiment on this night.

However, Harkness indicated that if mediations continue much longer, the agreement may be abrogated in favor of the public’s right to know.

Members of the School Committee not on the negotiating team were appreciative of Harkness’ attempts at continued negotiation and maintaining civility in the process.

“I know it hasn’t been easy for anyone,” said School Committee member Margaret Murray.  “I really respect the respectful tone that everyone’s taking with this and keeping everyone informed and the fine balancing act everyone’s needed to go through.”