The union’s proposal to settle the teachers strike would require roughly $7.1 million in extra revenue over four years, according to Finance Committee Chair Alec Goolsby. An override to cover that amount would add about $926 to the property tax bill of the average home in Marblehead valued at $1.2 million.
The School Committee’s wage proposal would require approximately $2.2 million in extra revenue, according to Goolsby. An override to cover that would raise the average property tax bill by about $300.
Every million dollars of override adds $132 to the tax bill for the averaged-priced home, Town Administrator Thatcher Kezer told the Current.
In addition to the schools, the town side of government will likely need an override this spring, Goolsby pointed out.
Without eliminating any positions or programs, the shortfall for the town and schools could be about $12 million over three years, Goolsby predicted. The FinCom and town have not completed the forecasting process, and firmer numbers will be known next month, he emphasized.
Goolsby hopes leaders on both the town and school sides can find efficiencies to keep their budgets in check.
“It has to be a combination of override and restructuring,” Goolsby said.
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Under Marblehead’s current, expired contract, the highest-educated, most-experienced teacher can earn $96,783. In the districts most often compared to Marblehead, the highest teacher wage is as follows: Swampscott, $102,227; Hingham, $119,922; Andover $121,236.
Under the union’s proposal, Marblehead’s most-educated and most experienced teachers could earn $129,782 by the end of four years.
Under the School Committee’s plan, the highest salary on the wage table would be $108,954.
Community rally
About 500 people came to Seaside Park Sunday afternoon to show support for striking educators. Many parents spoke about the deep and lasting impact their children’s teachers have had on their kids and families.
Chris Bruell, one of the organizers, talked about Marblehead’s special community.
“It’s my home, it’s our home, it’s our community. It’s our little slice of heaven on the North Shore,” he said. He referenced children’s TV host Mr. Rodgers whose mother told him that when life gets scary, look for the helpers. Educators, he addded, are those helpers.
“Who is here for the helpers? We are, my friends, we are.”
Parent Melissa Kaplowitch, standing with her son, Jared, who is senior class president at Marblehead High School, shared a story about Jared’s intense separation anxiety during kindergarten at the Eveleth School.
The only one who could pry him away from his mom was the custodian, Mr. Mace, who let Jared ring the school bell, push a broom and take out the trash.
“He is part of our village,” Kaplowitch said about Mace. “
Many of the parents demanded that Marblehead fully staff and fund the schools.
Veterans School teacher Tawny Callahan, flanked by four of her students, said, “I want our students to know how much we miss them and how hard we are working to get bac into the classroom. We are righting for you … to get the best teachers and safest schools.”
The teachers union and School Committee bargaining team are working with a state mediator again today. It’s unknown whether there will be school tomorrow.
At 4:45 p.m., Dan Fox made slight adjustments to the tax bill numbers.
