The ongoing disagreement between Andover teachers and the school district has led to a four-day-long strike, forcing the closure of schools and requiring the district to seek legal intervention. The teachers are seeking improved wages and benefits. The school committee, however, objects to the increases due to budgetary constraints. Despite the strike, Bancroft Elementary is providing boxed meals for students as reported by Boston25 News.
The Andover Education Association (AEA) first proposed an 18% raise over four years and 34% for instructional assistants during negotiations last Thursday. The average salary for an Andover teacher presently stands higher than the state average by nearly $10,000 as per the article of Boston25 News. Yet, to afford the proposed wage raises, the school committee fears layoffs, reinstated fees, and cuts in programs.
Julian Digloria, AEA Vice President, however, dismisses these apprehensions as scare tactics. To meet demands, one should not risk financial stability or jobs as per CBS Boston News. Pointing to the school committee's existing legal expenses, he questions their allocation of funds.
In the face of strict laws against strikes in Massachusetts, this is the fifth teacher strike since 2022. In light of ongoing events, Andover School District is taking the union to court on the afternoon of earlier today as per Boston25 News. During this timeframe, negotiations have been resumed aided by a state Department of Labor-appointed mediator.
The AEA has received a positive response to some of its proposals, which include parental leave, sick leave, and longer lunch periods for students. The AEA also demands better benefits and protected preparation time. However, the town maintains that it cannot finance higher wages without making significant reductions.
To add to the tension, more than 5,500 students are left with no school access, which hampers their learning process. Matt Bach, President of the AEA, expresses his dissatisfaction about students not being able to return to school swiftly.
