Students return to classroom Friday as tentative agreement reached to end Haverhill teacher strike

HAVERHILL, Mass. — After nearly 6 full days of a teacher strike, the Haverhill Education Association and the school district have reached a tentative deal that makes important advances in building safer and more racially just public schools.

Teachers and union members shook hands in agreement just before 11 p.m. on Thursday saying they are “extremely excited” to get the teachers and students back into the classroom.

Officials said during a press conference Thursday night that all students and teachers will return to the classroom on Friday after canceling school earlier in the night.

Unfortunately, due to the late hour of the agreement, the school said there will be no bus service available and students may report at any time convenient to families.

All missed school days will be made up as Massachusetts law requires 180 days of student instruction.

In a statement, Scott Wood, a member of the Haverhill School Committee and chairman of the Haverhill negotiating committee said the following:

The Haverhill School Committee is pleased that a deal has been reached to bring striking teachers back to the classroom.

The agreement includes increased pay for teachers, without placing an undue burden on taxpayers. It also addresses union concerns about classroom safety, while maintaining management rights and protecting student rights to privacy.

Importantly, the union has agreed to reimburse the School Department for costs incurred during this strike. In addition, the union has agreed to fund a scholarship program for underprivileged students.

Now, we look forward to putting this strike behind us and returning to the work of serving the children of our city.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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