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School committee to hold public bargaining sessions with NAPSA; caucuses to remain private
Summary
The School Committee and the North Andover Professional Support Association agreed to conduct upcoming bargaining sessions in public, with caucus breaks in executive session; sessions will be streamed and agendas posted (first sessions March 9 and April 29).
The School Committee announced Feb. 26 that negotiations with the North Andover Professional Support Association (NAPSA) will be conducted as public sessions beginning in March.
The committee said it proposed the change to increase transparency about wages, benefits and working conditions for support personnel. NAPSA agreed to the approach; the committee also said each side will still take private caucus breaks in executive session as permitted by state law (M.G.L. c. 30A, §21(a)(2)) to preserve bargaining positions.
Public sessions are scheduled for March 9 (4:30–6:30 p.m.) and April 29 (5:00–7:00 p.m.) at central office; sessions will be streamed on North Andover Cam and agendas and related materials will be posted on the district website. The committee said it will also create a web page with background data and comparables to help residents follow the negotiations.
Chair remarks said the change is intended to improve transparency and accountability while preserving the legal protections of private caucuses when needed.
