Teachers, administrators and students urge school committee to resolve stalled BAO contract

Several current and former educators, students and union leaders used the public comment portion of the Barnstable School Committee meeting Friday to press the committee to conclude negotiations with the Barnstable Administrators Organization, the union representing assistant principals, curriculum coordinators and other administrative staff at the high school.

Martha Swindler, a 30‑year Barnstable High School teacher, told the committee she had asked the board at a previous meeting to pursue several actions — including a formal apology to the Wampanoag tribal community over a logo decision, a review of course leveling and completion of an investigation — and repeated that she wants the committee to “do something now.”

Morgan Gray, a Centerville resident and world language teacher at Barnstable High School, outlined everyday ways BAO members support teachers and students, and said “Working without a contract is difficult and scary. Eight months without a contract causes a financial strain on members and their families.” Students Riley and Paloma spoke in support of the administrators; Bay area teachers, retired educators and parents repeated similar themes across public comment slots.

Why it matters: speakers described BAO members as frontline supports — handling student behavior, special education compliance, technology problems and curriculum coordination — and said negotiations that extend many months risk morale and retention.

School committee response: Member Peter Good, who serves on bargaining teams, said the committee has been negotiating “for many months” and that the town has sought to bargain in good faith and to secure a fair agreement; he urged patience while talks continue. The committee did not take any formal action on the contract during the open session.

Ending: Speakers urged the committee to use hearings, shadowing and site visits to understand BAO work and to prioritize a swift, equitable settlement. Several public commenters also sought broader district action on staffing and budget priorities while negotiations continue.

Short list of speakers who addressed the BAO contract during public comment: Martha Swindler (teacher), Morgan Gray (teacher, BTA member), Stacy Hadfield (BTA member), Faith Ingalls (retired teacher), Meg Lachren (retired special education teacher), Deanna Pulsipher (district administrative assistant), Brooke State (BTA president), and student speakers Riley and Paloma.