As the Marblehead Education Association (MEA) enters its third week of being on strike, effects could be seen on the wider town community.
One of the most important issues is the potential for an override that would support higher wages for educators.
According to the School Committee, as of Monday afternoon, its latest proposal would cost $6.4 million with a $3.174 million shortfall causing a Proposition 2 ½ override, which would add roughly $334 to the average property tax bill.
The School Committee further mentioned that, in comparison, the MEA’s latest proposal would cost a total of $8 million with a $4.7 million shortfall. This would increase the average property tax bill by over $334, although the School Committee did not disclose exactly how much more the increase would be.
Both proposals would require layoffs in the event of a failed override. Due to the large monetary amount of shortfall coming from the MEA’s proposal, the layoffs and department cuts could be detrimental to the district.
The School Committee stated, “The cuts would be so great that the operation of the schools would be in jeopardy. We simply can’t afford the Union’s proposal or the risk that comes with it.”
While a tax override is exactly what the town needs to give the educators what they’re asking for, there are some community members who would be hurt.
In 2020, according to the United States Census Bureau, the population in Marblehead was 20,441, with 22.2% of that being age 65 or older. The National Council on Aging (NCOA) states that roughly 40% of older Americans rely on Social Security for their income. On average, these fixed checks are about $1,913 monthly.
One Marblehead resident stated that an override could be detrimental to them, as they are a part of that 40% who rely on Social Security for their income. The resident further explained it could become hard to stay in Marblehead with taxes continuing to rise, especially if a large tax override were to occur.
Another issue remains how school days will be made up by both educators and students.
According to the Massachusetts Student Learning Time regulations, school committees are required to schedule a school year of 185 days, of which 180 of those are required operating days.
As posted on the Marblehead Public Schools website, the last scheduled day of school for students is June 20, 2025. This only allows for six school days to be made up before July 1, 2025.
A similar situation occurred in Newton earlier this year when the Newton educators decided to go on strike. Their strike lasted a total of 11 days. The Newton Public School district decided to make up days during scheduled vacations, such as its February vacation, which was canceled. The remainder of the days were made up at the end of June, with the school year officially ending on June 26, 2024.
Marblehead Public Schools faces the same possibility. Currently with 10 days and counting missed by students and teachers, they may miss vacation days and have school up until the beginning of July. Families will then be faced with the decision to attend the rescheduled school days or proceed with vacation plans.