Newton Schools Close as Teachers Strike Over Pay Dispute

Union's new contract proposal would increase teachers' pay, but negotiations with city and district leaders remain at a standstill.

Newton's nearly two dozen schools are closed as teachers begin their strike after reaching an impasse with city and district leaders during contract negotiations.
The teachers union voted to authorize the strike following more than a year of contract negotiations, which have centered around pay and several other issues.
Under the union's new contract proposal, teachers by fiscal 2026 would earn $69,207 at step one on the scale, compared to $65,165 under the school committee proposal.
At the top scale, teachers would earn $136,828 under the union proposal, ranking them third in salary among nine more affluent districts, versus the committee's offer of $128,376, which would place Newton teachers below all those districts except Belmont.
Mayor Ruthanne Fuller said during a press conference that it was 'a sad day in Newton.' 'The adults belong at the negotiating table, the students belong in the classroom,' she said. 'The NTA should not be putting kids in the middle.'