Newburgh Teacher’s March, Demand New Contract

By Jennifer L. Warren

NEWBURGH – The chants were varied, emphatic, and emotionally-charged, as they reverberated throughout the City of Newburgh Streets and in front of the Newburgh Free Library last Tuesday night.

One resounded, “Get up, get down, Newburgh is a union town.” Another followed the rhythmic, “Hey, hey, ho, ho, union power on the go.” Then there was the query, “What do we want?” The rapid reply came, “A contract!” Another question was posed, “When do we want it?” It was met with yet another fast response, “Now!” Another phrase, “NTA has unity,” filled the airwaves.

Regardless of the exact words being affirmed over and over by a large contingent of Newburgh Enlarged City School District employees, many proudly elevating picket signs also expressing their unity and concerns, the depth of feeling and overall concerns connected with not having the security of a contract for the last two years dominated. It’s a frustration level felt by so many for so long and whose culmination was seen in the form of the NTA President, Stacy Moran, speaking inside of that Newburgh Free Library, the protest walk destination. Here, the monthly School Board Meeting was taking place, and Moran made it a priority to be the first to speak. Before doing so, she delivered words to her members outside.

“I’m speaking for you; I hope you cheer for parts that make you feel moved, as I was moved just by writing it,” said a determined Moran. “We want you to be loud and respected, and respect is a contract.”

Soon after Moran’s motivating assurances to her members, a select number of people were allowed into the School Board Meeting, many of them united NTA members, still grasping their signs, eager to hear the words of their President, speaking on their behalf. First on the night’s agenda, Moran approached the podium, fully aware of the limited time (portrayed on a large computer screen) she had to get her points across.

“I am very proud right now; public education is an important right, and the members of the NTA are the bedrock of the Newburgh City School System,” initiated Moran. “This is the worst opening in memory, and the school year is only eight days old,” continued Moran who cited confusion with high school schedules, Google Classroom startup havoc, lack of supplies and adequate copiers among other things, resulting in overall “disrespect to students.”

Moran continued to express the lengthy list of concerns.

“We have no contract, there are not enough teachers and coaches, elementary teachers are having prep time taken away, and we have not been paid since June 23; we deserve to be paid properly,” said Moran, adding how this is all unacceptable. “Somewhere along the way, the District has stopped making the children the priority, and there is a them vs. us attitude.” Reflecting further, the NTA President added, “I will come here again if I have to remind you without us the students will not have anyone; members of the NTA believe children deserve the very best, and they deserve the best from you as well.”

Following Moran’s heartfelt remarks that represented the thoughts and feelings of the large crowd inside and outside the Library as well as many more who could not be present, some Board members had the opportunity to respond where it became apparent that more collaboration and a refocus of priorities was in order. Some steps to achieve that end were put in motion. So too, was the forthcoming, critical delivery of the assurance of that elusive teaching contract so many in the District are eagerly awaiting so they can move forward, knowing they have support and respect for what they do.

“I ask that everyone here please work together and collaborate to get this contract in place,” said Dawn Fucheck, a former City of Newburgh School Board member, whose support was met with cheers. “I also ask all of you on this Board to reflect on your behavior, and try to develop trust, open and honest communication as well as collaboration. Fucheck went on, “Please let the Superintendent do her job and focus on doing yours for the betterment of every Goldback every day.”

Current school Board Member, Phil Howard, words resonated Fucheck’s sentiments, providing encouragement for not only the pending promise of a contract, but other positive adjustments for this school year and beyond.

“I believe the most effective style has to be collaborative for the Board,” affirmed Howard. “We need to do some real introspection, and ask why we are here; if we cannot answer for our children and their schools, we need to question our oath.” Howard continued, “I believe collective leadership will allow all members to be heard and benefit our students which they deserve.”