Lexington

A five-day strike by Lexington teachers was one of 10 by MTA locals in 1987. It stood out for taking place in an affluent suburb whose residents had long supported the district’s public schools. Playing on the town’s history, striking teachers called their action “Lexington’s second revolution.”

One issue was salaries, with Lexington Education Association teachers contending that their pay was significantly lower than in many nearby districts.

A second issue was the district’s teacher evaluation system. LEA President Richard Sandberg was quoted in MTA Today saying, “The School Committee is looking for an evaluation to be used to dismiss teachers. We are looking at one to improve instruction.” The LEA sought the right to ratify any changes in the 36-item evaluation instrument.

The strike began on the Monday after the Thanksgiving break, with marches, picket lines and parent meetings. On Friday, the Lexington PTA council conducted a “Walk for Concerned Citizens” outside the administration building.

By Saturday, MTA Today reported, “parents’ frustration hit the boiling point” at a meeting with school district leaders. By the end of the day, a tentative agreement was reached that included both raises and the right of LEA members to vote on any changes in the evaluation system.