MARBLEHEAD — School is closed Monday in three Massachusetts communities on the North Shore as the teachers strike enters its second week.
Teachers in Marblehead, Beverly and Gloucester are all calling for better wages, paid family leave, funding for paraprofessionals and other benefits.
Community shows support
“It is challenging for parents to see our teachers suffer because upper administration and the people in elected positions are not looking out for the best interests of our teachers and students at this time,” said parent Bit Coppola.
A rally was held at Seaside Park in Marblehead on Sunday with the community showing support for teachers who have been on strike for 11 days.
“And that’s what this whole meeting was about: the community wanted to come out and show us that they support us and in return we want to show that we are there for them, so that’s why we’re fighting this fight,” said Teacher Dana Trudeau.
Resume sports
Although classes have been canceled since last week, Marblehead was given the green light to resume sports and high school sports football team played on Friday. The Gloucester School Committee also announced that sports and extra-curricular activities in secondary schools can resume during the strike.
Tensions have been high in Gloucester Mayor Greg Verga was caught on video making an obscene gesture in front of a singing crowd as he left contract negotiations Thursday night. He has since apologized for the incident, saying he was responding to a former public safety official and not the teachers.
Samantha Chaney
