NEWTON, MASS. — The Newton Teachers Association is watching its bank account take a major hit after a judge ordered the union to fork over $625,000 in fines for a strike that kept local kids out of school for 11 days. This penalty comes as a result of one of the longest teachers strikes in Massachusetts history, which, under state law, is illegal.
The pricey punishment was handed down yesterday, with the union directed to pay $275,000 to the school district and an additional $350,000 to the state, as per reports from CBS News Boston. To add insult to injury for student's families, the judge also tossed out a lawsuit filed by parents who were looking to recoup funds spent during the strike, although they are not backing down, vowing to continue their battle for $25 million in compensation.
Despite the financial blow and legal wrangling, the community is attempting to turn the page and move forward. Newton schools cut their February winter break short to make up for some of the missed instruction time. Nevertheless, on Tuesday, a noticeable 31.4% of students opted not to show up, with the district stating it would not penalize those who already had vacation plans etched in stone, WHDH reported.
