Peabody teachers vent on contract

PEABODY-The Kiley School auditorium was full of Peabody public school teachers Tuesday night, as they met to demonstrate their frustration with the lack of a signed contract. This was the second time teachers made their presence known in the last week.President of the Peabody Federation of Teachers Bruce Nelson lead the group of roughly 150 teachers through a circular march around the auditorium prior to the start of the regularly scheduled meeting of the School Committee. Each teacher donned pins that read “Contract Now” and “Contract with Pride.” One teacher dressed in a bright red t-shirt that said “Support Peabody Teachers” in four different languages.When the meeting began at about 8:15 p.m., 45 minutes behind schedule due to an extended executive session regarding the teacher?s contract, teachers loudly recited the pledge of the allegiance in unison before taking their seats.Much to Mayor Michael Bonfanti?s surprise, not a single teacher or representative took to the stage during the public participation segment. They remained silent, staring at the board before them.It wasn?t until about 10 minutes into the meeting while Superintendent Milt Burnett gave his report that the teachers stood up together and exited the auditorium. One unidentified individual shouted from outside the lobby, “Let?s see if anyone has control over the (Superintendent?s) contract!”School Committee members flew through their agenda at record speed, moving many of the items to their next meetings. They quickly adjourned and went back into executive session.After another 90 minutes or so of discussion behind closed doors, committee members made their way back onto the stage and into open session. School Committee member Dave McGeney gave their one and only comment in regards to negotiations.?On behalf of the committee?we understand the (teachers?) frustration and anxiousness to get this situation resolved,” he said.According to McGeney, both sides must overcome one obstacle before signing the new contract. He said the Committee has every intention to work as quickly as possible to get the process done. Another meeting between both negotiating teams is soon to be scheduled in hopes of reaching a solution as soon as possible, he said.Before adjourning for the last time Tuesday, McGeney said that the School Committee “respects and values” the teachers in Peabody.?We are anxious to get this contract settlement behind us.”