Left In Lowell

Dick Howe has a great post musing on teacher contract negotiations in Massachusetts. He has what I like to call a great grasp on the real problem regarding the structure of such negotiations; the Lowell’s Sun’s editors might want to be sure and read it (and I’m sure they will, though I doubt they’ll listen) because he has a message for them as well (bold mine):

Overall, this settlement was a very positive development. Undoubtedly the reactionaries who populate the editorial page of the local paper will see it differently and will condemn this agreement as they do all things related to public education. Instead of whining about percentages or health insurance differentials, they should tackle the question of why this state requires school committee members and not the superintendent of schools to conduct union negotiations. Can you imagine the chaos that would ensue if the city council were to negotiate union contracts for city employees? If the city manager can negotiate those contracts, why can’t the superintendent negotiate with teachers? The answer lies on Beacon Hill, but the Sun’s editorialists prefer stirring the pot of discontent rather than advocating real change.

Now, I’m not sure if other problems would be created if the rules were changed. How much does the superintendent need to have a great working relationship with teachers? Negotiations for contracts can leave bitterness on both sides (though, the School Committee seems to keep on good terms with teachers despite some tough times). However, it is true that our city manager does this job on the city side, and it works pretty well, and city councilors can keep a little distance from the fray. I imagine getting involved directly would make it harder for a city councilor to serve. Plus, as Dick says, it would be chaos. As someone who works on projects for clients, I can tell you it’s better to have one point of contact for the job than a group. Whenever all the little decisions have to go through a committee, it bogs down the project and sometimes the results are not optimal.

But if that’s structurally mandated by Beacon Hill, that’s where the change has to be made. I don’t expect that legislators are interested in rocking the boat, at least, not the current crew.

Also, check out Dick’s coverage of School Committee candidate Dave Conway and the race in general. And anyone interested in local issues of education should be reading School Committeeperson Jackie Doherty’s blog. It’s great to have a “Lowell blogosphere” with multiple perspectives and different interests to cover the city!