Students have missed a week of school already, and a classes are now canceled for a sixth day as the teacher strike continues in Newton, Massachusetts.
The Newton Teachers Association is continuing to fight for a new contract. Classes have not been in session since Jan. 18, and they will not resume Friday, the district said Thursday evening.
"This has been really challenging as a parent. We don't know day-to-day what's going to happen. We're waiting for that 7 o'clock update, and again, we're scrambling just like the people in the community are," said Allegra Atkinson, a parent and Newton North math teacher of 20 years.
As families continue to try to figure out what they’re going to do if this strike drags on, Gov. Maura Healey is weighing in but not picking sides.
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"It's a very challenging situation. I very much wish for a resolution. Children need to be back in school," said Healey.
There was optimism from both sides Wednesday night — as compromises were made on parental leave and lengthening the contract to four years.
"It's good news that the two sides are talking in a meaningful way, that's progress," said Mayor RuthAnne Fuller.
"We're optimistic, there has finally been some movement, which we have been waiting for, for a long, long time, but we still have a long ways to go, so we're still urging the school committee to speed up the pace of these negotiations," said Newton Spanish teacher and Newton Teachers Association negotiating team member Ana Tellado.
Among the sticking points is teacher salaries and counselors in every school.
"As a school counselor, we have caseloads of around 200 students, and it's difficult to be able to meet each of the students' needs," said Newton North school counselor Brian Rivera
But with each day of negotiations, hope is growing.
"I feel like as we're out more in force, the needle is moving a little better with negotiations," said Newton North school counselor Belma Johnson.
As the teachers continue to picket at the Newton Education Center, some of the smaller negotiations are ongoing Thursday morning, but the main negotiation session begins at noon.
