Catherwood LibraryILR School

Students in Newton, Massachusetts will return to school this week, after missing eleven days of school due to teacher strikes. The strike action led to the temporary cancellation of winter sports and after-school clubs and activities, and the district's February break has been canceled to make up some of the missed school days. Unionized teachers are represented but the Newton Teachers Association, and the tentative contract that was reached will be presented to union members to vote on. The agreement between the Newton School Committee and the union will increase salaries to match the increases in living costs and raise wages for school aides. Staff members will also receive improved healthcare and insurance benefits as well as greater parental leave. The contract will increase the number of social workers in elementary schools and increase the number of educators in high schools. The increase in high school educators will allow class sizes to be smaller.