Newton parents say there are plenty of hard feelings as healing begins after long teachers strike
NEWTON - Newton schools re-opened Monday for the first time in more than two weeks after one of the longest teachers strikes in years in Massachusetts.
"We're very happy to be back. Very proud of what the teachers achieved during the last few weeks. I give them huge support," said parent Colin Ward.
"We feel awesome. I'm glad the School Committee and the Mayor and the Teacher's Association got back together finally after two weeks and we're back in the swing of it," parent Jack Hulburd said.
More than 97-percent of the teachers' union ratified the new contract late Sunday night. The school committee is expected to formally approve the agreement Wednesday.
"I think it was a tough process, but everyone persistent went through it. I think there's going to be some healing to do, but I think the town will survive," parent Gokhan Ulu told WBZ-TV.
"Honestly I think it was a huge fight and I think there's a lot of hard feelings. Hopefully the city can mend and come together and look forward on behalf of the kids," Hulburd said.
About 12,000 Newton students missed eleven days of school because of the strike. February vacation was cancelled and the school year will be extended by seven days, now ending on June 26th.
If any classes need to be cancelled because of snow, those make up days will come out of April vacation.
"It should be a constitutional right for the kids to go to school and learn and develop and aspire for greatness that they're capable of. Sitting at home just doesn't do it," Hulburd told WBZ.
Teachers will now have a new four-year contract that includes raises, more social workers, higher paid classroom aides, increased paid parental leave and more family sick days.