Teachers in Marblehead Strike: Schools Closed for 3rd Day

Teachers in Marblehead are continuing their strike, leading to the third day of school closures. Jonathan Heller, co-president of the Marblehead Education Association, said the town wants quality schools and can afford them. He believes voters would support a property tax increase to fund better wages and conditions for teachers. Heller criticized the School Committee for not negotiating fairly. He shared that they did not respond to a significant offer made by the union on Wednesday, which included a deal for custodians. Meanwhile, Town Administrator Thatcher Kezer stated that the town's proposal would require a property tax override. However, he assured that if the override doesn't pass, the town can manage with service cuts. Fines for the illegal strike in Massachusetts are expected to start on Thursday, but Heller remains determined. He believes the town is using fines to "punish" educators for fighting for a fair contract.