Teacher Rally Calls for Halt of Turnaround Plan

Several hundred people gathered outside City Hall Friday, in support of the teachers at New Bedford High School.

New Bedford Educators Association President Lou St. John addressed the large crowd, saying Superintendent Dr. Pia Durkin's go-ahead with the turnaround plan is a severe mistake.

St. John says the transformation model is similar to the turnaround plan, but does not require the mass firing of teachers. The transformation would, however, replace the headmaster at the high school, and call for contract negotiations with the union.

Former Mayor Scott Lang took to the podium, and says the city needs to be innovative in this issue, if the district is to be an educational powerhouse as it once was.

The rally was attended by several hundred supporters, including teachers, union representatives from across the state, and politicians.