Healey-Driscoll Administration Takes New Action to Support Resolution of Newton Teachers' Strike

Healey-Driscoll Administration Takes New Action to Support Resolution of Newton Teachers' Strike:

Newton, MA -- Today, Massachusetts Secretary of Education Dr. Patrick Tutwiler issued the following statement on the Newton teachers’ strike: 

“It is unacceptable that school has been closed for two weeks in Newton due to the ongoing strike. As a lifelong educator who began his career in the classroom 25 years ago, I am deeply appreciative of the work that our educators do and understand the constraints facing the school committee, but our students are suffering each day that Newton public schools are closed. Our focus is on keeping kids in school, making sure they receive a high-quality education and supporting our hardworking educators. We need our students back in the classroom now.” 

Background – attributable to the Department of Labor Relations: 

* At Governor Healey’s request, the Department of Labor Relations filed a pleading Thursday afternoon asking the Court to hold twice daily status conferences to require the parties to provide constant updates to the Court and the public on the steps they are taking to resolve their differences. 

* The Secretary of Education intends to participate in the twice-daily status conferences to speak to the harm caused to Newton students each day that Newton’s schools are closed. 

* If an agreement is not reached soon, the Department of Labor of Relations asks the Court to turn to binding arbitration.

* Read the Department of Labor Relations’ filing here.