‘Gone too far’: Chair of Newton School Committee tears up after classes canceled for 10th day

NEWTON, Mass. — The Chair of Newton’s School Committee spoke through tears after classes for Thursday were canceled, marking the 10th day of no school for students in the city amid the ongoing teachers’ strike.

There’s still an approximate $15 million disparity between what the Newton Teachers Association is asking for and what the Newton School Committee says it can provide.

The teachers’ union insists that Newton Mayor Ruthanne Fuller has the money it’s asking for if she reallocates money to schools.

“The offer we proposed would continue to make Newton one of the highest-paying school districts in the state,” Fuller said.

Newton School Committee Chair Chris Brezski was visibly emotional in his opening statement on Wednesday night.

“There’s really only one kind of progress that matters right now. My kids aren’t going to school again,” he cried. “This has gone too far.”

‘This has gone too far’: Newton School Committee Chair tears up after classes canceled for 10th day

It will not give members of the public a chance to comment.

“We feel terrible about the disruption that this has caused. None of us here want to be here. None of us want to be on strike,” said union representative Ryan Normandin.

More parents have spoken against the strike with at least two families filing motions to intervene and end it. They said Wednesday night that the strike is disrespectful to the students who want to be back in class learning.

Parent Jessica Weed said, “They’ve been out of school for nine days. This is unconscionable.”

“The courts have ordered them to go back to school. The parents are begging you. The mayor and city council are begging you. The school committee is begging you,” parent Dylan Ross added.

The Newton Teachers Association has faced a total of $575,000 in court-imposed fines through the strike thus far. Additional fees of $50,000 are being tacked on for each additional day that the strike lingers on.

The Newton School Committee will hold a meeting on Thursday to talk about options for makeup days.

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

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