Belmont School Committee Ratifies Teacher Contract After 19-Month Talks
BELMONT — The School Committee has approved a ratified contract with the Belmont Education Association, closing out more than 19 months of negotiation, collaboration, compromise and mediation, according to the town's own announcement, even as the MBTA prepares to shut down Red Line service between Alewife and Park Street for 10 consecutive days later this month.
TOWN HALL
The MBTA's Red Line will be suspended between Alewife and Park Street for 10 consecutive days, from July 21 through July 30, the town announced Thursday — a disruption likely to hit Belmont commuters who rely on the Alewife station. Separately, the Belmont Rink remains closed on a temporary basis because of ongoing humidity and environmental control issues inside the facility, and the town is continuing to remind residents that they can vote early by mail in all 2026 elections with no excuse required, either applying online or downloading a paper application. The town also renewed its annual hydrant-flushing notice — flushing of "Orange & Red Top" hydrants began July 13 and continues through the month, generally scheduled for the evening hours. Residents should also watch for two service notices: the Belmont Police Department is warning residents about fraudulent emails circulating under the town's name, and the town flagged a delay to this week's yard waste pickup.
SCHOOLS
The School Committee has approved ratified contracts with the Belmont Education Association, the town said, describing the agreement as "a result" of more than 19 months of negotiation, collaboration, compromise and mediation. The town did not release further contract terms in its announcement. Separately, registration for the 2026-2027 school year is now open across Belmont Public Schools.
ELSEWHERE IN THE NEWS
"30+ MA Beaches Closed As Smoky Haze Makes Comeback: See Latest Forecast" — Patch reports that smoke drifting down from wildfires in Ontario is returning to the region after yellow and orange skies cleared briefly Thursday morning, with dozens of Massachusetts beaches closed as a result (read it at https://patch.com/massachusetts/belmont).
"Why Belmont Porchfest is moving to August—and needs more performers" — Belmont Patch reports that organizers are shifting the popular neighborhood music festival later into the summer and are seeking additional musicians to sign on (read it at https://patch.com/massachusetts/belmont).
COMING UP
The Municipal Skating Rink Building Committee meets remotely Friday, July 17. The Select Board meets in hybrid format Monday, July 20, the same day the Shade Tree Committee's Bylaw Subcommittee convenes. The Planning Board holds a hybrid meeting Tuesday, July 21.