As both Mayor and Chair of the School Committee, it’s natural that the public would expect active participation and ongoing commentary from me on the contract negotiations with the Malden Education Association.

My sister is employed by the Malden Public Schools as a teacher at the Ferryway School. As a result of that conflict, and on the advice of the Massachusetts State Ethics Commission, I cannot participate in negotiations nor vote on matters involving Unit A, the Teachers unit. There is no disclosure that would allow for my participation. I have been advised by State Ethics that even providing my commentary on the ongoing negotiations is not advisable.

The School Committee appointed a negotiating sub-committee, chaired by Ward 3 School Committee representative Jennifer Spadafora. Adam Weldai and Sharyn Rose-Zeiberg, School Committee representatives from Ward 5 and 8 respectively, are also part of the sub-committee. They are supported in their efforts by the School District’s attorney Howard Greenspan, Finance Director Toni Mertz, and Superintendent Ligia Noriega-Murphy. Updates on negotiations will be handled through the School Committee negotiating team and the School Committee as a whole.

To read the most recent update from the negotiating team, visit https://maldenps.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Negotiation-Subcommittee-Statement.pdf

- October 17th update from the negotiating team