Education Techs in Cumberland Rally for Urgent Contract Negotiations

BREAKING: Education support professionals in Cumberland, Maine, are demanding immediate action from the MSAD 51 board as they continue to work without a contract for nearly 250 days. A large crowd of educators gathered at Greely High School on March 5, 2026, to protest and voice their frustrations during a board meeting, highlighting the urgent need for a new agreement.

The MSAD 51 Education Association, representing education technicians and secretaries, wore red to symbolize their unity and desperation in negotiations that have stalled since April 2025. The last contract expired on June 30, 2025, and efforts to mediate the dispute have failed to yield satisfactory terms for both parties.

Lulu Balzano-Brookes, a veteran ed tech of 24 years and lead negotiator, expressed the deep dissatisfaction among staff. “Ed tech roles require skill, patience, dedication, certification, and continuous professional learning, yet compensation and working conditions have not kept pace with the responsibilities we carry,” she stated during public comments, emphasizing the emotional toll on educators.

The ongoing impasse has severely impacted morale, leading to a loss of staff to higher-paying positions in neighboring districts. “Although I’m sure it’s not your intention, it makes us feel disrespected, unappreciated, and undervalued,” said Kelley Keyte, an ed tech with 19 years of experience. She shared heartfelt messages from students that highlighted the critical role education support professionals play in shaping positive learning experiences.

With the board struggling to meet the demands of the education techs, community members are growing increasingly concerned. Pete Gillingham, an eighth-grade social studies teacher, urged the board to act decisively to prevent further staff losses. “I would ask that we really step up and change this so we don’t lose these people,” he said, stressing the need for competitive compensation.

Greely High School senior Camden Burke also spoke out, noting the invaluable support he has received from education professionals throughout his academic journey. “They’ve always been there for me,” he said, contrasting their pay with his own earnings of $22 per hour at part-time jobs, which often exceed the salaries of seasoned educators.

Despite the board chair Leanne Candura asserting that they value the contributions of education professionals, frustration remains palpable. She mentioned that the board has made offers perceived as meaningful but acknowledged that without a contract, words can feel hollow. “The board continues to engage in the process in good faith,” she stated, yet the lack of agreement continues to loom over staff.

In an effort to break the deadlock, the education association has filed for fact-finding, set to begin on March 20, unless a contract is reached beforehand. “The board is in agreement with the association in our desire for a contract. Unfortunately, we haven’t been able to agree on those terms yet,” Candura concluded.

As the situation develops, educators and community members remain vigilant, urging the board to prioritize negotiations that reflect the true value of education support professionals. The future of many dedicated staff members hangs in the balance, and the pressure is mounting for the board to act swiftly.