In Mount Vernon, a rally was held by teachers from all schools before the start of the school day. The teachers gathered outside Hamilton Elementary School and received support from passing drivers. This event was organized as part of a citywide effort by teachers to negotiate a new contract.
Teachers at the rally aimed to show solidarity as negotiations continued, calling for acting Superintendent Dr. K. Veronica Smith to take a more active role in the negotiation process. Thalia Langley, the vice president of the Mount Vernon Federation of Teachers K-8, highlighted the importance of recognizing teachers’ daily contributions to their students.
Negotiations for a new contract have been ongoing for approximately two years, with teachers feeling frustrated by the slow progress. Mount Vernon teachers haven’t received a raise in three years. Langley expressed hope that both the superintendent and the board would take the teachers’ concerns seriously.
As negotiations are set to resume soon, union officials hope that the message conveyed during the rally will have an impact on the upcoming session. Teachers are determined to advocate for a fair contract that recognizes their hard work and dedication to their students.
