North Attleborough Teachers Rally for Fair Contract

North Attleborough Teachers Rally for Fair Contract

Teachers in North Attleborough gathered once again this week to call for a fair contract, as ongoing negotiations between the educators’ union and the school district continue without resolution.

Roughly 75 teachers, parents, and supporters lined the entrance to North Attleborough High School during the after-school rally. The event marked the second public demonstration by the North Attleboro Federation of Teachers since the district’s contract expired at the end of August.

Union representatives said teachers are seeking competitive pay increases, stronger benefits, and improved working conditions—issues they believe are essential to keeping quality educators in the district. According to the union, North Attleborough’s teacher salaries and per-student spending rank among the lowest in the region, creating challenges in both hiring and retention.

Educators shared stories of personal hardship to illustrate how the current contract impacts their lives. One teacher described struggling to balance work and family responsibilities due to limited sick time, while others noted that rising costs and modest wage increases have made it harder to sustain a career in education.

Negotiations have revealed a wide gap between the two sides. The union initially proposed cost-of-living increases of seven, eight, and nine percent over three years, while the school department countered with a 1.75 percent offer—leaving nearly an eight-point difference.

Town officials have acknowledged the concerns but point to budget pressures as a major obstacle. Earlier this year, the town reduced the school department’s requested budget by roughly two million dollars, a cut that district leaders say limits flexibility for salary increases.

Despite the challenges, both sides say they remain committed to reaching an agreement. The teachers’ union continues to encourage community support, while the school district emphasizes the importance of balancing fiscal responsibility with fair compensation.

As negotiations move forward, educators say they will keep rallying until an agreement reflects what they call “the value of North Attleborough’s teachers and the future of its students.”