The Bristol Warren Education Association (BWEA) announced on Tuesday that it will formally request a state-assigned mediator to resolve a negotiating impasse with the school committee. The two sides have been attempting to reach an agreement on a teachers’ contract for 20 months, and union members worked this full school year without a contract. 

“Nearly two years have gone by without a new contract,” said BWEA co-president Michelle Way DaSilva, “Unfortunately, we believe that talks can no longer proceed without mediation to resolve our issues.

“We close this school year – the most challenging to date – with gratitude. Data shows that despite a global pandemic that forced teachers to shift instruction and students to drastically adjust their learning, Bristol-Warren teachers and students performed right on track. It was a full school community effort. We sincerely thank our members, the education support professionals who work alongside us, our students, and their families.”

In a written statement, the union expressed disappointment with the school committee about their decision to begin the 2021-2022 school year on Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, ignoring the objections of many educators and parents. BWEA filed a grievance on behalf of members which was scheduled to be heard this week.

“Sadly, the calendar issue is just one clear example of our continued frustration with a majority of our school committee, as it illustrates their disregard for the needs and concerns of our community as a whole and an overall unwillingness to listen,” said Ms. Way DaSilva.