Just after the Marblehead teachers union delivered a new proposal with several concessions to the School Committee bargaining team on Tuesday night, the School Committee responded with a notice of “legal action against individual educators,” according to a statement from the Marblehead Education Association Wednesday.
“Seeking legal action against MEA co-presidents Sally Shevory and Jonathan Heller and bargaining team co-chairs Hannah Hood and Alison Carey is indicative of the goals (Town Administrator Thatcher) Kezer, (School Committee attorney Liz) Valerio and School Committee members Jennifer Schaeffner and Sarah Fox are pursuing in lieu of a settled contract that will open schools,” the MEA statement read. “Quite simply, Kezer, Valerio, Schaeffner and Fox are willing to break the schools and break apart the community in hopes of damaging educators and their union.”
Heller and the other educators will appear at a state Department of Labor hearing at 4 p.m. There was no school today. It’s unclear if any mediation is happening.
“The School Committee bargaining team’s vindictiveness will not stop the MEA from pursuing a just contract that puts our district on a path to end the crisis of unhealthy staff turnover and high numbers of vacancies, both of which undermine the quality of education and services we provide our students,” the MEA statement added. “Marblehead educators are among the lowest paid in the region and many are leaving to take better-paying jobs in other districts. High-school teacher and coach Mike Giardi yesterday said that at his level of experience and education, he could make $15,000 more teaching in Danvers.”
Asked for comment and for an update on the union’s concessions, the School Committee bargaining team did not immediately respond. You can read the MEA’s newest proposal HERE.
Vigil before School Committee meeting
Marblehead’s faith leaders will host an interfaith vigil outside Marblehead High School Wednesday at 4:30 p.m. and will allow the public to share thoughts, concerns and hopes. The School Committee is holding a meeting at 6 p.m., without public comment, to discuss the school calendar. It will also meet in executive (closed door) session to talk about the strike.
