Wellesley teachers union gives vote of no-confidence for School Superintendent, School Committee

WELLESLEY, Mass — The Wellesley teachers union passed a vote of no-confidence in the school system’s superintendent and school committee Saturday.

Over 700 members of the Wellesley Educators Association passed the motion Saturday, citing a period of 260 days without a contract resolution.

The union states they lack the adequate and necessary staffing of specialist teachers and professionals to help students.

“The needs of our students in Wellesley Public Schools have been greater than ever amidst historic increases in the emotional and behavioral needs of students nationwide during these times of unprecedented change and uncertainty,” wrote the union in a statement.

The Wellesley teachers union also states low starting pay and a lack of parental leave as barriers to hiring the necessary staff.

The Wellesley Educators Association asks Superintendent David Lussier and the town school committee for a new contract that includes parental leave possibilities, competitive compensation and “values the important work that all educators do.”

Boston 25 News received the following statement from Wellesley School Committee member Catherine Mirick:

“The School Committee has been bargaining in good faith for more than a year with the Wellesley Educators Association.  We have agreed to 34 of the proposals that the WEA brought forward and, in the month of February, we offered more concessions.  Despite all of this movement, including an unprecedented financial package, the Committee has seen no similar movement from the WEA.  Negotiations require both parties to find common ground and compromise and, thus far, the WEA has been unwilling to do this.

On Friday, we began mediation which is the next step in the bargaining process when negotiations reach impasse.  Our hope is that by working closely with the state-assigned mediator, who will act as a third-party neutral, we can reach resolution in a timely manner.  None of us want to see these negotiations extended any further.

The School Committee remains committed to reaching an agreement that is fair and equitable to Wellesley educators and that fulfills our responsibility of providing the best education to Wellesley students, while also working within the budget parameters set by the Town.”

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

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