North Andover Schools, Teachers Union Agree On New Contract

NORTH ANDOVER, MA — The North Andover School Committee and the North Andover Teachers Association (NATA) have reached a tentative agreement. This comes after teachers were working without a contract since the beginning of the school year.

"Through ongoing dialog and collaboration, we achieved a mutually beneficial agreement to ensure the highest quality of education for our students and provide a nurturing environment for their growth and success," the School Committee wrote in a statement.

NATA said that the contract, which runs through 2026-27, includes a 16.5% increase in salaries. The contract also has "improvements to ensure healthy learning and working environments," more than doubles paid family leave, and includes improvements to prep time.

The agreement came during mediation with the Massachusetts Department of Labor.

NATA said that community supported its efforts with more than 200 yard signs displayed around town and more than 2,300 emails sent to the School Committee.

The union instituted a work-to-rule action in its efforts to secure a new contract, which meant that members only completed the duties outlined in their contracts.

The news comes as teachers in Andover are on strike. Schools have been closed since the Andover Education Association voted to strike last week.

See related: North Andover Teachers Union To Hold Rally At School Committee Meeting

Andover Schools Remain Closed As Committee, Union Work On Deal