Lawrence Teachers Union

09/11/2026

Never Forget!

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1DkYdwVyJR/?mibextid=wwXIfr

09/04/2026

Dear Colleagues,

The recent shooting in the vicinity of our schools has been deeply concerning to all of us. While we are grateful that no lives were lost, the fact that gun violence occurred so close to our schools and during a time when students and staff were in the area is a serious reminder that the safety of our schools cannot be taken for granted.

As educators, we have a responsibility not only to educate our students, but also to keep them safe when they are in our care. Our members deserve to feel safe coming to work each day, and our students deserve safe schools and safe routes to and from those schools.

As your union president, I want you to know that school safety is a priority for me and for LTU 1019.

I am currently working to gather information and engage with the appropriate city, law enforcement, and district officials so that we can better understand what occurred, what safety measures are currently in place, and whether additional measures are needed to protect our students and staff.

This includes looking beyond the security measures inside our buildings. School safety also includes what happens around our schools—particularly during arrival and dismissal—and ensuring that our emergency communication, response, and safety procedures are effective when an incident occurs nearby.

I also want to hear directly from you.

If there are safety concerns in your building or questions about emergency procedures, please bring them to your building representative or directly to our union executive board. Your experiences and concerns are important as we advocate for improvements.

We will continue to work with district and city and state officials, law enforcement, and other appropriate partners to make sure the voices of educators are part of the conversation about school safety.

We should never have to accept violence as simply part of working in our schools. Our students deserve safe schools, and our educators deserve safe workplaces.

I will keep you informed as we learn more and as our conversations with the appropriate officials move forward.

Thank you for the work you do every day to care for and educate our students.

In solidarity,

Kimberly Barry
President
Lawrence Teachers Union, Local 1019

09/02/2026

Congratulations Senator Markey!

09/01/2026

Don't forget to VOTE TODAY!

TODAY’S THE DAY!! Polls are open until 8pm. If you’re still in line at 8pm—stay in line! You have a right to vote.

Voting is a union value, so make sure you get out and vote today!

Need to double check your polling place? Wondering who our union endorsed on your ballot? Find everything you need to vote at ma.aft.org/voter-guide-2026.

08/24/2026

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08/24/2026

🗳️ Early Voting for the 2026 State Primary begins August 22!

All registered Methuen voters may vote early at Sanborn Hall, Public Safety Building (90 Hampshire St.) from August 22–28—no special reason is required.

📬 Prefer to vote by mail? Apply by Tuesday, August 25, at 5:00 p.m.

📞 Questions? Contact the City Clerk’s Office at 978-983-8515.

08/24/2026

Urge the Retirement Plus Conference Committee to act before August 29!

After years of advocacy, we are closer than ever before to seeing legislation to provide an opportunity to some of our state’s longest-serving teachers the ability to opt-into the Retirement Plus system after being unfairly left out 25 years ago.

The House passed their version of the bill in July 2025, with the Senate taking up the bill in June of this year. Each chamber unanimously passed their version of the legislation and are now in the process of meeting to reconcile the differences between the two versions.

We need your help to get it over the finish line.

Please contact the six-member Conference Committee and your elected legislators and urge action before the end of August.

https://actionnetwork.org/letters/urge-r-conference-committee-to-act-before-august-29/

07/18/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/18uTSsCVtF/?mibextid=wwXIfr

In her 2026 State of the Union address, AFT President Randi Weingarten reflects on the state of the nation, celebrates the power of working people, and calls on members to organize, vote and fight for a better life for all.

04/03/2026