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Holliston School Committee files unfair-labor-practice charge after high‑school schedule ratification dispute; committee asks administration to study AB-year‑to
Summary
After the Holliston Federation of Teachers did not ratify a scheduling recommendation from the district scheduling subcommittee, the school committee said it filed an unfair labor practice charge and voted to ask the superintendent to study feasibility of an AB year‑long class model for next year.
At the Jan. 23 meeting the Holliston School Committee reported it had filed an unfair labor practice (ULP) charge against the Holliston Federation of Teachers (HFT) after the HFT did not ratify a schedule recommendation produced by the district scheduling subcommittee. Committee members said the charge alleges the union’s subcommittee members failed to bargain in good faith during the subcommittee process.
The committee also voted to ask the superintendent to study an alternative path for next year’s high‑school schedule if the labor dispute cannot be resolved quickly. The motion requests a feasibility study of a year‑long AB model (students take eight classes that meet every other day for the full year, rather than semester splits) and asks administration to report back in time for scheduling decisions.
What happened and why: the scheduling subcommittee met multiple times in the fall and voted to recommend a specific high‑school schedule to both the committee and the union; HFT members declined to ratify that recommendation. The committee said it then voted to ratify the schedule on its own and — citing actions by HFT members on the subcommittee during meetings — formally filed a ULP with the state labor board. Committee leaders said they requested expedited review but warned there is no guarantee of a fast ruling.
Committee action: after discussing the timing constraints for course selection and schedule setting, the board unanimously approved asking the superintendent to investigate the feasibility of implementing an AB year‑long structure for 2025–26 and to return with details in the near future so the committee can consider a vote. One member emphasized the district needs contingency plans to avoid disruption to student course access and to make timely course‑registration decisions.
Next steps: the superintendent’s office was asked to consult with high‑school administrators and teachers about whether the existing schedule can be modified to permit year‑long AB offerings, and to present findings as soon as practicable so the committee can act before student registration deadlines.
Speakers attributed in this item are committee members and district administrators who addressed the scheduling question during the Jan. 23 meeting.
