MARBLEHEAD, MASS. (WHDH) - Students were back in school in Beverly and Marblehead on Wednesday after tentative agreements were reached to end the teachers strikes that kept them out of class for more than two weeks.
After 11 missed school days, Marblehead campuses reopened Wednesday for an early release day.
The union thanked the community for their support.
“We had an opportunity and the door opened a little bit more for us. I think the community really coming together strong to show their support, it was at that moment we could see that we were starting to close that gap between the two sides and that compromise could be reached,” a representative said.
Their new contract includes salary increases, up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave, an established safety committee, and an agreement that no teacher who went on strike would face retaliation.
Kids in Beverly were also back in class after teachers there also ended their strike Tuesday night, the last of the three North Shore teachers strikes this month.
“I’m so happy to be back in school. It’s been such a long time and I’m so excited to see my friends and have recess,” said Beverly student Bentley Covell.
In Beverly, students were out of school for 12 days, making it the longest teacher strike in recent state history.
The union says it’s a major step forward in their effort to improve schools, saying, “This massive victory is a testament to the strength of our educators and their unwavering dedication to our students. Our community made clear that they value public education and love Beverly’s educators.”
Their new contract includes raises for teachers, as well as a 65 percent raise for paraprofessionals, up to six weeks paid parental leave, a higher tuition reimbursement, and more support for dysregulated students.
“It’s been rough but we’ve made due, and we’re just happy they’re back, even if it’s a half day,” said Beverly parent Jessica Covell.
Michael Zikinda, another Beverly parent, said he was relieved the students were back to learning.
“They’ve been home for almost three weeks now, and if they stay home, I think their summer vacation’s going to be short. They need to go back to school and learn,” Zikinda said.
The tentative deals come four days after Gloucester educators reached a tentative agreement and ended their strike.
(Copyright (c) 2024 Sunbeam Television. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)