Andover School Committee, Teachers Union At Impasse On Reopening

ANDOVER, MA — The Andover School Committee and the teachers union reached an impasse over the district's reopening plan, the administration said Monday.

The district's plan for the school year will continue, according to the news release. Andover schools are using a hybrid model, with both in-person and remote learning.

The Committee and the Andover Education Association met 12 times for bargaining and reached an impasse, Oct. 27. They then spent a day with a state mediator, but were unable to reach agreement on four key areas, according to the district spokeswoman Nicole Kieser.

Those areas are: "requirements for synchronous instruction; consistent use of Schoology, the new district-wide learning management system; accountability through educator evaluations; and the efficacy of additional ventilation protocols in school buildings."

The school year began acrimoniously, with the teachers union voting no confidence in the superintendent over the administration's handling of reopening. The union staged an action where they refused to enter buildings for professional development. The state labor relations board declared the action, which lasted only a day, an illegal strike.

"We appreciate the time so many educators have spent talking and problem solving with us over the past several months," School Committee Chair Shannon Scully said in a statement. "Their observations have helped improve the district's back-to-school operations, and we are grateful for the feedback. It is disappointing that we are unable to formalize an MOA with the AEA after extensive, good faith bargaining and a full day of DLR mediation. Nonetheless, we are eager to continue the success of this school year under the professionalism of our educators.”

“We are pleased with the launch of the 2020-21 school year and believe our students are being provided the best possible opportunities under these unique circumstances,” Scully said. "Andover educators are working incredibly hard during this unprecedented school year, and we will continue to support them while keeping health, safety, and students as our highest priorities."

Christopher Huffaker can be reached at 412-265-8353 or chris.huffaker@patch.com.