MANCHESTER, N.H. – Negotiations between the Manchester Board of School Committee (BOSC) and the Manchester Education Association will restart following the rejection of a factfinder’s report on stalled contractual negotiations submitted to the committee on Monday night.
A motion to reject the findings of the report passed 12-2 with Manchester mayor Joyce Craig and BOSC at-large member Pat Long voting against the rejection motion. BOSC Ward 12 member Kelly Thomas was absent.
In the motion to reject the findings of the report, BOSC at-large member Rich Girard expressed concern over the long-term fiscal feasibility of the tentative resolution reached by both parties.
That sentiment was shared by several members of the board, including Ward 7 representative Ross Terrio, who felt an obligation to oppose the factfinder’s report in fear of burdening his successor with the challenge of addressing those fiscal shortfalls in the future.
“We already know what we spend on education is barebones and we can’t accept any more cuts,” he said.
Only the mayor spoke in favor of the findings in the nine-page report by arbitrator James S. Cooper, which recommended compromises to avoid a continued stalemate between both sides.
Manchester Education Association (MEA) president Sue Hannon released a statement in opposition to the report’s findings as well, noting that her group’s membership voted against the report by a tally of 315 to 135. She also noted that the MEA’s membership responded overwhelmingly to the report’s paid time off recommendations.
“The MEA will pursue the best interest of Manchester students: smaller class sizes, educator voice, and safety,” she said in her statement. “Our students deserve the best resources, safety protocols and teachers. The Manchester School District deserves to be able to hire and retain the best educators for our children. That is what motivates us to strive for a successor contract that benefits everyone.”
The report was released on June 7, with an addendum regarding health insurance posted on June 12.
