DATE: February 26, 2026
The North Andover School Committee (“Committee”) is pleased to announce that beginning in March of 2026 union negotiations with the North Andover Professional Support Association (NAPSA) will be conducted in open sessions.
Last month, the Committee proposed to hold all upcoming collective bargaining sessions as open, public meetings. The NAPSA has agreed. Traditionally, union negotiations take place in "executive sessions," meaning they are closed to the public. Through public bargaining sessions, however, the Committee hopes to provide parents, taxpayers, and staff with the priorities and fiscal considerations that shape our schools. The Committee also anticipates that open session negotiations will promote the following:
Transparency: members of the public will be able to observe the discussion regarding wages, benefits, and working conditions for those employees who support our students;
Accountability: public sessions will help ensure that both the Committee and the Union are directly accountable to the residents we serve;
Community engagement: residents and other stakeholders are encouraged to learn more about our school district and perhaps finding ways to become more engaged;
Awareness: these sessions will offer a deeper understanding of the district’s budget and the complexities of labor agreements.
In order to protect the Committee’s bargaining position, the Committee’s caucus sessions will be held in “executive session” pursuant to MGL c.30A, §21(a)(2). The union will also caucus in private with its bargaining team.
Unless otherwise noted bargaining sessions will be held at the Central Office, located at 566 Main Street, North Andover, MA. Sessions will also be streamed live on North Andover CAM-ED. Each meeting will be posted and will include agendas for each session.
In addition to the public meetings, the Committee will be hosting a webpage on the District’s website that will provide residents with additional data and context on the North Andover School District, our neighboring and peer communities; and the negotiation process in general.
The first of these public sessions are scheduled for March 9th at 4:30-6:30; and April 29th 5:00-7:00.
The Committee thanks the NAPSA for their partnership in this initiative, and we look forward to productive bargaining sessions.
Sincerely,
Joseph Hicks, Chair
North Andover School Committee
