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HAVERHILL (WBZNewsRadio) - School in Haverhill has reopened Friday for the first time all week, after a tentative agreement was reached late Thursday night between the teachers' union and school committee.
Scott Wood, a member of the Haverhill School Committee and chairman of the Haverhill negotiating committee released a statement:
"The Haverhill School Committee is pleased that a deal has been reached to bring striking teachers back to the classroom. The agreement includes increased pay for teachers, without placing an undue burden on taxpayers. It also addresses union concerns about classroom safety, while maintaining management rights and protecting student rights to privacy. Importantly, the union has agreed to reimburse the School Department for costs incurred during this strike. In addition, the union has agreed to fund a scholarship program for underprivileged students. Now, we look forward to putting this strike behind us and returning to the work of serving the children of our city."
The Massachusetts Teachers Association released a statement applauding the members of the Haverhill Education Association for their "steadfast commitment to their students and their community" in reaching the agreement.
The decision came in the 11th hour, as parents were told at 7 p.m. Thursday school would indeed be cancelled Friday. Just before 11 p.m. the two sides reached a deal, ending the ongoing strike. However because of the last minute deal, there will be no school bus service Friday morning.
The school district said in a statement following the deal that students are encouraged to attend school Friday, but those that do not report will be excused.
WBZ's Drew Moholland (@DrewWBZ) reports
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