Swampscott School System, Teachers Back At Bargaining Table

SWAMPSCOTT, MA — The union representing teachers in Swampscott said it presented a new proposal to the town's school system Monday in hopes of ending a months-long stalemate over a new contract. In a Facebook post, the Swampscott Education Foundation characterized the most recent round of talks as "productive." That's a marked change from November, when talks fell apart and the school system said it would file for mediation.

"We were pleased to return to the bargaining table and remain hopeful that meaningful negotiations will result in an agreement that works for the union, the district and the town," Amy O'Connor, Swampscott school committee member and Bargaining Sub-Committee chair, said. "The respect we have for teachers has not wavered, and we share their desire to come to a resolution."

In November, the school department broke off talks when the union arrived at a negtiation session with 40 more members than expected. The union accused the school system of overreacting when it threatened to file for mediation.

SEA said it is requesting a 3 percent cost of living increase as part of the three-year deal, but the administration is only offering one percent after initially offering no cost of living increase.

In November, SEA president Nancy Hanlon was suspended from her teaching position for unspecified reasons. The union claimed the suspension was retaliation for her role in the contract talks. Superintendent Pamela Angelakis denied the allegation.