Sisters and Brothers,
Thank you to everyone who came today to participate in our stand out or to donate shoes to our “Class Photo” representing those who may be lost to Covid if we are forced to return to work in unsafe buildings or before public health conditions deem it appropriate. Today’s action was a bold representation of what some in our community deem “a calculated risk”. It’s a sad reality that the reopening of our schools and taking the necessary steps to limit the community spread of this tragic illness have become politicized, but we should not let the negativity of a vocal minority deter us from our noble cause. We are in thi
s to save lives. When history comes to judge us for our actions, I know that the educators of Haverhill who took this stand for their students and their community today will be remembered kindly. I am incredibly proud of the hard work of so many in our Association from everyone on the Action and Bargaining Teams to the many of you who have expressed your support on social media or by text and email. As always, our rank and file organization only works because its members are active and participate in the decision-making process. Additional meetings will be announced soon for all members to help guide the direction of this Union. I hope to see every member there.
Following our stand out, the HEA Bargaining Team met with the School Committee for the first time since submitting our demand to bargain back on July 10th. Unfortunately, because the Association received the District’s detailed plan for reopening schools just before midnight yesterday, we did not have enough time to review them and draft a proper response.
The Bargaining Team did, however, choose its co-chairs: Nancy Koorapaty of Haverhill High School and Christine Hickey from Tilton. I hope every member will join me when I offer my most sincere thanks to them for their service. In addition to over two dozen other member observers, the following members constitute the core team who will be working to draft our counterproposal ahead of tomorrow’s session:
- Emily Boulger
- Tim Briggs
- Suzanne Coffin
- Eileen Paquette
- Lauren Roberts
- Lauren Sanguedolce
- Lynn Sullivan
- Maureen Zuber
The meeting began with the Association’s proposal that bargaining take place in open session. It is our belief that because the decisions being made are vital to the public interest, the public should have equal access to the proceedings. Unfortunately, the School Committee refused to agree to open bargaining, preferring instead to continue as they have thus far without fully engaging all stakeholders in this process. Regardless, the Association will be sure to keep all members informed throughout the negotiations, and we will continue to engage the public in support of our bargaining goals. Nevertheless, the parties agreed to meet again tomorrow at 4:30 to bargain over the safe, phased-in reentry you demand.
If you haven’t already, please review the District’s “Overview Plan for the 2021 School Year“. We are asking all members to do this and let your building representative or any member of the Executive Committee know what information you feel is still missing from this proposal as soon as possible. The bargaining team had many unanswered questions and we want to make sure that there is nothing that we have missed.
Upcoming Bargaining Dates
(to participate as an observer, email anthonyparolisi@gmail.com)
Aug 13th – 4:30-6:30 (remote)
Aug 17th – 6:00-8:00 (remote)
Aug 19th – 4:00-6:00 (remote) *tentative
Aug 26th – 4:00-6:00 (remote) *
Aug 27th – 4:00-6:00 (remote) *
In Solidarity,
Anthony
Anthony J. Parolisi
President
Haverhill Education Association