Salem Mayor Hopes To Reach New Teacher Deal 'Fairly, Timely'

SALEM, MA — As negotiations begin between the Salem School Committee and the Salem Teachers Union on a new collective bargaining agreement on Thursday, Mayor Dominick Pangallo said he is hopeful an agreement can be reached "fairly, timely, and with a basis in our shared goals."

Pangallo, who is also the School Committee Chair, made the comments via social media as the School Committee also released a list of frequently asked questions noting: "During the negotiating process, community members may notice public activities intended to generate awareness of contract negotiations."

This will be the first major public union contract negotiated under Pangallo, who was previously chief of staff for former mayor and current Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll, since he was elected as Driscoll's replacement last spring.

"The bargaining process is a way we work to advance a balanced and thoughtful approach with all of our public employee unions, and to do so in good faith with the aim of being constructive and professional in our conversations," Pangallo said. "As the parent of two children in our public schools, I'm approaching this work centered on what's best for Salem kids.

"I'm also the son of public educators and, as the product of a public educator household, I appreciate the value of our unions and the bargaining process."

Pangallo said the teachers' contract will be the first of five that the city will be negotiating in the coming months.

"My hope is that we're able to complete this important work fairly, timely, and with a basis in our shared goals."

(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott [email protected]. X/Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)