Mike Zilles, head of the Newton Teachers Association, spearheaded no-confidence votes on Newton’s elected mayor and elected school committee. This followed a no-confidence vote on our last superintendent, David Fleishman, because the NTA disagreed with plans to return to in-classroom education. Now the NTA is illegally striking, shutting students out of Newton schools.
In a recent Fig City News article, Mr. Zilles criticizes past school committee president Matt Hills. Zilles calls into question “Hills’ posture as a fiscal expert…” while implying that Hills’ assessment of the city finances is not “realistic and honest.”
Instead of directing all blame to current and past elected officials, long-term NTA president Zilles should take some responsibility for the NTA’s dysfunctional relationship with the city. Are our teachers genuinely helped by the NTA’s bellicose strategy? Matt Hills says that Mr. Zilles was an outstanding teacher. Zilles should end the strike, let the students return to school, hand over NTA negotiation to new leadership, and return to the classroom. This would be a win for the city, the union, and most importantly, the students.
Jeffrey Pontiff
Chestnut Hill
