Schools
Portsmouth Teachers Protest Outside Closed-Door Contract Talks Between School Committee, Union
The Portsmouth School Committee met with the teachers' union Monday evening in a closed-door mediation session at the high school.
About 50 Portsmouth teachers, all members of the teachers' union, crowded into the hallway outside ’s library Monday evening, holding protest signs to show support for the union.
Last month, the Portsmouth School Committee decided to enter direct mediation with the teachers' union. Monday’s meeting was the first between the two sides.
Many of the teachers held signs as they waited for both the School Committee members and the union representatives to arrive.
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“We hope to have progress tonight. We have a great school system and great teachers,” said School Committee member David D. Croston.
Joe Cassady, the union president said, "We are hoping this is productive. We are optimistic.”
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Chairwoman Cynthia S. Perrotti stopped and read the signs before going in.
“I appreciate them (the teachers) coming out tonight to make their point,” she said.
Featured above are photos taken before Monday's closed-door talks between the union and School Committee:
