Marblehead Reaches Agreement to Resolve Strike
After weeks of disruption, Marblehead and Beverly Schools are set to reopen on Wednesday following a tentative agreement between the Marblehead School Committee and the Marblehead Education Association. The deal, announced Tuesday night, brings an end to the teachers’ strike that began earlier this month, impacting students, families, and educators.
In a statement, the Marblehead and Beverly Schools Committee expressed regret over the challenges caused by the strike. “We recognize the stress and hardship caused to our students and families during the school closures,” the committee stated, committing to a smooth reopening. Schools will resume regular schedules, with Wednesday being an early release day ahead of Thanksgiving.
The new contract includes significant pay increases, expanded parental leave, and enhanced school safety measures. A key addition is the establishment of a safety committee, which will include educators and community members in the decision-making process. “This contract is a step toward safer, more inclusive schools,” said teacher Kristen Grohe. Marblehead Teachers’ Association copresident Jonathan Heller acknowledged the impact of the strike but emphasized that the agreement represents positive change.
Beverly Strike Ends with New Contract
Shortly after Marblehead and Beverly Schools announcement, Beverly educators and the Beverly Teachers Association reached their tentative agreement, allowing schools to reopen on Wednesday. Teachers in Beverly had entered the third week of their strike before the resolution.
Beverly School Committee Chair Rachael Abell expressed relief and gratitude in a statement. “We deeply regret the impact this strike had on our students’ education, but we’re eager to refocus on what matters most: the children of Beverly,” Abell said. The three-year contract reportedly includes wage increases and additional professional development opportunities, though full details remain undisclosed.
The strike’s conclusion comes as a relief to many in Beverly, but officials acknowledged the need for healing. “I think we have a lot of work ahead to rebuild trust and community,” said Beverly School Committee member Lorinda Visnick.
Community Looks Ahead Amid Challenges
The strikes in Marblehead and Beverly Schools, and earlier in Gloucester stemmed from demands for better pay, paid family leave, more preparation time, and improved funding for paraprofessionals—issues highlighted as critical by educators across the North Shore. The strikes, while illegal under Massachusetts law, underscored long-standing tensions in teacher contract negotiations. Teachers’ unions in all three towns faced fines for each day they participated in the strikes.
As students return for a half-day before Thanksgiving break, district leaders are preparing for a “soft start” to ease the transition. Marblehead Interim Superintendent John Robidoux stated that administrators and special education staff are working to create a welcoming atmosphere.
Looking ahead, both communities face the challenge of funding these new contracts. Marblehead School Committee Chairperson Jennifer Schaeffner hinted at the potential need for a Proposition 2½ override to address financial demands. “This chapter has closed, but the next one begins as we work on funding and rebuilding,” she said.
For students and families across Marblehead and Beverly, the reopening of schools marks the start of a new phase, one focused on moving past the strikes and prioritizing education.
