Approximately a week after the Marblehead teacher’s strike came to an end, both the Marblehead School Committee and the Marblehead Education Association (MEA) will shift their focus and work together to pass the override.
In the School Committee press conference following the conclusion of the strike, Co-Chair Jenn Schaeffner emphasized the utmost importance of the community coming together come time to vote on the override. Schaeffner said, “We are going to have a lot of work to do, we’re going to need you to come out when it comes time,” referencing community members.
The override is estimated to be an additional $334 for the average Marblehead home. All steps throughout Marblehead Public Schools will see an increase in their wages from now and over the next four years.
Despite both parties standing their ground throughout the strike, they are glad to have finally reached an agreement that benefits both parties. The School Committee emphasized throughout the strike it was willing to work alongside the MEA regarding an override.
The parties will be campaigning as the Town Meeting approaches in May of 2025.
School Committee members also had extremely high praise for a specific member of the MEA, Mike Giardi. Committee Co-Chair Sarah Fox said she has a lot to thank him for regarding the conclusion of the strike. Giardi connected the bridge between the two parties, ultimately helping them agree.
While tensions were high between the two in the midst of the strike, the dust has settled and differences have been put aside. Nothing but positivity has been spread from either side since the conclusion.