Over 150 members of the Middlesex Education Association (MEA), parents and representatives from other unions gathered Monday evening at Mountain View Park to rally for a fair contract settlement. Educators in the district have been working under an expired contract since June 2024.
“We show up every day for students and give our best,” said MEA President Carolyn Muglia. “We volunteer, coach, and spend extra time with students and families to make sure everyone gets what they need.”
Muglia said the official responsibilities of her members have out paced the salary guide. Sticking points in the negotiations appear to be competitive compensation for extra curriculars, time provided for educator training, and scheduling concerns.
Negotiation teams for both the MEA and board of education met with a state mediator after the rally but failed to reach an agreement.
“The Board, on the superintendent’s recommendation, instituted a schedule that is out of compliance with contract language developed collaboratively by the MEA and past administrations,” said Muglia. “They have dismissed us and dismissed the benefits of a positive, supportive school culture and climate.” Muglia says that her members and leadership team feel disrespected and devalued by the BOE’s non-action to collaboratively find solutions
“Our members are incredibly disappointed,” said Muglia. “This Board clearly doesn’t see the value we bring to the district.”
A well-documented teacher shortage has other districts openly recruiting veteran educators to fill their staffing needs. Muglia says that MEA members “want to stay” but an unsettled contract brings challenges to a district trying to attract and retain educators.