To the editor,
The School Committee has held multiple meetings over the past months regarding an unfair labor practice they filed against the teachers union in June of 2024. In November, the Marblehead Education Association agreed to withdraw all of their charges against the district, from both before and during the strike. The School Committee decided to move forward with their charge related to the union’s inclusion of silent bargaining representatives at bargaining sessions. If the current School Committee, including the incumbents seeking reelection, truly wanted to move past the conflicts of the past and work toward a better future, they could choose to withdraw this charge at any time.
Instead, they continue to spend thousands of Marblehead tax dollars on endless and costly litigation over a case which predates the strike, is no longer relevant, and benefits no one but their law firm of Valerio, Dominello, and Hillman. The law firm has the most to gain, both financially and politically, from the process. Is this what’s best for Marblehead? In what way does this benefit our students? Is this the “fiscally responsible” leadership we should expect? Considering school legal fees this year alone are at least $375,000, I believe it’s time to move on.
This June, I will be voting for School Committee candidates who will help our district move forward and focus on investing in Marblehead students. It’s time to elect new representatives who will put Marblehead students and educators first. I ask you to join me in voting for Henry Gwazda and Kate Schmeckpeper on June 10.
Samantha Rosato
Martin Terrace
