Many community members voiced their frustrations during the public comment session at Thursday’s School Committee meeting, urging progress in collective bargaining and calling for changes to better support educators and maintain the quality of education.
Members of the education community wore matching shirts signifying their unity and brought handheld signs with slogans such as “No More Delays” and “We Stand Together.” The meeting began 45 minutes late, as the committee was in executive session.
“It has become increasingly evident that the problems facing our school cannot continue to be ignored,” said Jonathan Heller, co-president of the Marblehead Education Association (MEA), reading from a petition signed by more than 700 people. “The current stance taken by the school committee has resulted in a historic turnover of over 20% within the teacher unit, leaving our educators feeling disrespected, undervalued, and unsupported.”
Heller continued to express his disappointment and urged the committee to improve conditions in Marblehead schools.
“We are incredibly disappointed that you have refused to commit in any meaningful way to a solution that is inclusive of all stakeholders and creates transparency and accountability regarding training, practices, and procedures,” Heller said.
Shortly after, Glover School kindergarten teacher Hannah Partyka spoke about her long commute to Marblehead. By the end of the year, she said, she will have spent about 1,200 hours in her car because she cannot afford to move closer due to her salary.
“Our school committee needs to meaningfully negotiate a collective bargaining agreement that reflects the value educators bring to the community,” Partyka said. “Without a contract that addresses the very real problems in our schools, I honestly don’t know how much longer I can stay in Marblehead.”
Social worker Alison Carey of Marblehead High School read a statement from Spanish teacher Kate Kelley, who had requested time off for parental leave due to a complicated pregnancy and her newborn being diagnosed with a high-risk condition. Kelley was granted only 21 days of leave.
“I deserved to have dedicated parental leave. My son deserved me at home to bond with him,” Carey read. “I still mourn the time I lost caring for my own son so that I could return to school to care for Marblehead’s children.”
Marblehead High School teacher Michael Fu addressed the committee regarding recent legal fees and expressed frustration over his role as a silent representative during bargaining sessions.
“I implore you to work with the teachers,” Fu said. “You negotiate with us like we’re factory workers.”
As the School Committee attempted to move to the next agenda item, Heller interrupted, questioning whether they intended to respond to the comments made that evening. Union members then stood up and walked out of the meeting in protest.
As they were leaving, a parent who had spoken earlier during public comment began addressing the committee again.
“You’re absolutely not helping at all,” he said. “Your teachers just walked out.”
As the committee tried to interrupt him with a gavel, he continued speaking, prompting committee chair Jenn Schaffener to call a recess.
“You’re not accountable for any of your actions,” he said. “Just think a little bit about that. It’s just an adult thing.”
The School Committee and the MEA met on Monday, Oct. 21, and are scheduled to meet again on Monday, Oct. 28, for further discussion.
