Some highlights in the impasse over a Boston teachers contract.
Aug. 31, 2010 – Contract between the Boston Teachers Union and the School Department expires
Sept. 29, 2010 — Dozens of students, business leaders, and parents turn out for a City Council hearing to demand a contract that focuses more on improving instruction for students rather than on protecting the workplace conditions of teachers.
Dec. 15, 2010 – In a speech, Mayor Thomas M. Menino injects himself into contract negotiations. He calls for increased flexibility for principals and headmasters; demands that teachers’ pay be linked to student performance; advocates for a longer school day; and pushes to revamp the system used to evaluate teachers.
Oct. 24, 2011 – The union and Boston public schools cannot agree on whether teachers should be compensated for working a longer day and rewarded based on their performance, rather than seniority.
Jan. 18 — Hundreds of teachers blow horns, ring bells, and chant “Talk to Teachers” at a rally at Boston School Department headquarters, in hopes of speeding up negotiations over a new contract.
Feb. 20 — Superintendent Carol R. Johnson accuses the union of using the possible loss of $9 million in federal grant money to force the district to agree to a new contract it cannot afford.
March 15 — The union launches a public relations blitz in hopes of swaying residents to its side on payment for a longer school day.
March 27 — After 21 months of negotiations over a new contract, the BTU and the School Department declare they have reached an impasse and ask the state to appoint a mediator in hopes of resolving a stalemate over pay and other issues.
April 2 — Boston loses out on a $9.4 million federal grant for teacher bonuses because of the contract stalemate.
April 3 — A last-ditch attempt by school and union leaders to reach agreement on a new contract fails after a nearly 16-hour negotiating session, sending the dispute to a state mediator.
June 8 — Parents and students express frustration over impasse.
July 25 — Johnson retreats from a sweeping proposal to add 45 minutes to Boston’s elementary, middle, and K-8 schools, and instead says she will pursue a narrower effort that would add two hours at a handful of low-performing schools.
Aug. 16 — Menino asks state labor officials to investigate the stalemate and to recommend a resolution, as he accuses union officials of unleashing delay tactics that could thwart any possibility of wrapping up the talks soon.