Newton educators to receive cost of living adjustment, reduced class sizes, and extended parental leave after 11 day strike

The longest teachers’ strike in Massachusetts history ended after the Newton School Committee and  Newton Teachers Association reached a contract agreement on February 2. 

When the former contract expired on August 31, 2023, the NTA bargained with Newton for a new contract. This contract wanted by the NTA would have cost the city an additional $35 million.

The contract cost concerned Mayor Ruthanne Fuller, the school committee, and some residents. Former city council member, Emily Norton disagreed with the strike. “There seemed to be a sense that the Mayor should just ‘give the schools more money’ as if there is some magical money tree somewhere that she can pluck from – there is not,” she said.

Norton reiterates that the NTA demands are needed to match the real financial situation of the town. Norton, like Fuller, was eager for the Teacher’s strike to end. 

“There was learning loss, kids with special needs did not receive vital services, parents without childcare couldn’t go to work which means those who are paid on an hourly basis rather than salaried, gave up income”, said Norton.

The strike impacted the mother of three, Lital Asher Dotan, who described the teacher’s strike as “a significant infringement on our children’s right to education.” 

“As a parent witnessing the daily toll the strike takes, I can attest to its profound impact. Our children are missing out on social and educational experiences. Our children deserve to regain the stability and routine of the regular educational environment,” said Dotan. 

Dotan was concerned for the education and well-being of Newton students. She testified to the Middlesex Superior Court that the strike caused damages to the overall well-being of students. However, the court rejected Dotan’s lawsuit, due to the civil agreement between the school committee and teachers. 

There were also groups of parents who sympathized with the teachers. CBS News reported that “The majority of parents who spoke to WBZ-TV are mostly in favor of the strike but admitted stress surrounding the situation” Parents want the best for the education of their children but at the same time want their kids to be in school. Many voiced their hope for the teachers and school committee to reach an agreement. 

Mounting concern resulted in a petition from Change.org started by Kids First! which raised 1,573  out of its intended 2,500 signatures. 

“Adults should negotiate and role model how compromises are made while kids are in school. Seniors started HS during the pandemic and are finishing up on the strike. This has to stop. Kids have to be in school!” commented parent and signatory, Anna Sakbev.

A few days after the petition, the strike officially ended, and the union huddled around the Newton Education Center as they hollered cheers of delight. 

“This moment will reverberate through Newton for years to come and we hope that people remember that when we stand together when we fight together, we win together,” one teacher exclaimed to the crowd.

The new contract will grant the teachers will get a cost of living adjustment of 12% of their salary, reduced class sizes, increased parental leave, and mental health benefits. In turn, the union will be issued by the court to pay a fine of $625,000 to the Newton Public Schools.