During oral communications, Rachel Rex, co‑president of the Union of Gloucester Educators and a Beverly resident, addressed an earlier public comment that she said painted union leaders and educators as divisive. "The narrative is not only inaccurate, it is harmful," Rex said, adding that disparaging remarks undermine trust and the work of rebuilding after the strike.

Rex said Gloucester educators "are eager to heal and move forward," and described daily collaboration in classrooms, contract enforcement and unpaid efforts staff make to support students. She asked the district and community to listen to educators and said the union stands ready to collaborate: "We remain ready to collaborate, communicate, and move forward." Committee members thanked her and asked clarifying questions about the earlier comment to understand context.

Context: the remark came during the public‑comment portion of the Nov. 19 meeting and elicited a short exchange where committee members clarified which meeting and which remarks were being referenced. Rex’s statement was framed as a response and not as a factual finding about particular individuals; the district and union will continue discussions through regular channels.