It has finally happened. All three teacher strikes on the North Shore are done and students are back in the classroom.
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From walking the picket lines in Marblehead and Beverly to dancing in the drop off lines, it was clear Wednesday that students, teachers, and maybe especially parents were overjoyed to have their schools reopened following the teachers’ strikes.
“Oh my gosh, we are so happy, even though it’s a half day. My poor kids were getting bored and we love for them to be in school!" said Jessica Covell, a Beverly parent.
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“We are very, very excited just to see our little kids again," said Nikol Lupieri, a Beverly paraprofessional. "I cannot wait, it was a long time coming."
After 12 days of no school in Beverly and 11 days without classes in Marblehead, families said it was definitely wearing on them.
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“It’s been very, very hard -- tough for the kids at home -- we didn’t know what to do and I’m working,” Beverly parent Yorleny Rodriguez said.
Another Beverly parent, Dan Oleks, said, “It was disruptive, and the kids were struggling. They wanted to get back.”
And the kids are excited to be back for their own reasons.
“I get to see my teachers," Beverly kindergartener Aitana Rodriguez said.
Beverly 8-year-old Nathan Covell cheered, “Recess!”
The Beverly Teachers Association said their three-year contract means raises for teachers and paraprofessionals, six weeks of paid parental leave, and more support for dysregulated students and the educators working with them.
“We know we have some very hard work ahead of us, but our amazing educators and our administrators will work together," Beverly Schools Superintendent Sue Charochak said.
The Marblehead Education Association said their four-year contract guarantees pay increases for educators, improved parental leave, and safety in classrooms, but the school committee made it clear it will require voter approval of a Prop 2 1/2 override.
“The school unions didn’t get everything they asked for in the dollars, but they got probably the best package that Marblehead has ever given," Marblehead Town Administrator Thatcher Kezer said.
And of course, all of those missed school days will still need to be made up.
Gov. Maura Healey, who had urged both sides to resolve their dispute and return teachers to the classrooms, spoke briefly about the matter on Wednesday.
"Well I'm really so glad that our kids will be back in school and that this is concluded for now," she said. "I hope everyone can go into Thanksgiving happy knowing that this is resolved and they can enjoy the holiday and be back in school Monday."
