Where Are We Now?
The SEA and the Finance Control Board (FCB) are in the last steps of Fact-finding.
Fact-finding is not binding. However, the SEA asks the Finance Control Board to join us in agreeing to accept the Fact-finder’s report, in its entirety, as binding in order to settle the contract and to move the system forward.
Why Fact-Finding Should Become Binding Arbitration
Why do we want to do this?
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In both fact-finding and binding arbitration, a neutral third party hears testimony, questions the parties, reviews documents submitted by the parties, and receives summary briefs from the parties.
- The Fact-Finder in our case, Lee Williamson, is an experienced arbitrator.
- In fact-finding, as well as binding arbitration:
- The school district’s and city’s ability to pay is taken into account
- Reasonable compromise – that is fair and just based on the evidence presented to them – is usually the goal
- Some ‘findings’ will be favorable (what we want) and some will not be favorable (we would rather not have them)…but, this kind of compromise is much better than the FCB unilaterally implementing all of their radical proposals
- The FCB has been eager to get to fact-finding, from the very beginning of negotiations in March of 2005. It’s time to test whether their goal, all along, has been to negotiate a fair contract – involving compromise by both parties – or to stonewall until they could unilaterally implement all of their radical changes.
- By agreeing to treat the fact-finding – which is nearly complete – as binding arbitration, the FCB will demonstrate their respect for the bargaining process and the law.
- Under Massachusetts public sector collective bargaining law, both parties can agree to binding arbitration after fact-finding.
- With reasonable, simple adjustments to the fact-finding that has largely been completed, a binding arbitration decision could be issued this summer – and the four year-old crisis could be ended.
- Everyone would be able to focus, once again, on rebuilding the Springfield school system.
The students in the Springfield Public Schools cannot afford further delay. The imposition of the FCB’s proposals will hasten the exodus of even more highly qualified teachers from our city. We already have the lowest percentage of highly qualified teachers of any city in the Commonwealth according to the Department of Education.
A great city needs great schools...
Read the Facts
 
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More than 700 teachers have left. Over 80 percent are thinking about leaving. It's been more than three years since most Springfield teachers had a contract or a raise.
It's unfair.
The Romney/Healey Finance Control Board is trying to impose an unfair contract on Springfield teachers. Some of the FCB proposals would:
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Eliminate caps on class sizes.
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Impose a seven-year contract with low wages.
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Suppress the wages of teachers.
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Allow the district to change working conditions without agreement from teachers.
Imposing these proposals is unacceptable and unfair.
There is a solution.
Contact Your Legislators
Urge your representative and senator to support a legislative initiative providing impartial binding arbitration that treats teachers fairly and takes into consideration both Springfield's financial condition and the state of education in the city. Teachers, students and the community deserve the kind of just solution that can be provided by a neutral third party.
Enter your zip code in the box above to contact your representatives online. Their names, phone numbers and e-mail addresses are also listed below:
Sen. Stephen Buoniconti
413-733-9991, 617-722-1660 Stephen.Buoniconti@state.ma.us
Sen. Brian Lees
413-543-2167, 617-722-1291
Brian.Lees@state.ma.us
Rep. Cheryl Rivera
617-739-1503, 617-722-2230
CherylCoakley-Rivera@hou.state.ma.us
Rep. Mary Rogeness
413-567-1661, 617-722-2100 Rep.MaryRogeness@hou.state.ma.us
Rep. Benjamin Swan
413-739-8547, 617-722-2017 Rep.BenjaminSwan@hou.state.ma.us
Rep. Gale Candaras
413-599-4785, 617-722-2520 Rep.GaleCandaras@hou.state.ma.us
Rep. Thomas Petrolati
413-589-7303, 617-722-2255 Rep.ThomasPetrolati@hou.state.ma.us
Rep. James Welch
413-737-7756, 617-722-2060
Rep.JamesWelch@hou.state.ma.us
Rep. Sean Curran
413-746-2728, 617-722-2425
Rep.SeanCurran@hou.state.ma.us
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