The requirement was implemented to comply with the Parental Rights in Education law, which was signed into law by Gov. Ron DeSantis in 2022. Supporters say it gives parents greater control over their children’s education, while critics call it the “Don’t Say Gay” law.

A four-year deal calls for increases in cost-of-living adjustments, up to 60 days of parental leave, more social workers, higher wages for paraprofessionals and more prep time for teachers.

The dispute has moved from the picket line to the courtroom and students were expected to get involved as the mood shifted from optimism to anger and frustration.

Waterbury Public Schools Superintendent Verna Ruffin said it requires consultation between various groups, including public works and bus companies.

The 225 teachers each received bonuses of $1,250 on Jan. 12 in off-cycle paychecks. The bonuses were intended for new teachers as incentives to fill critically vacant positions. None of the teachers who received the bonus were new hires. 

The mistake stems from the department's apparent failure to update a key part of its aid calculation index for inflation, which has surged by some 20% since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

School leaders hopped on a school bus to tour the schools they called repurposed, or buildings that could soon be closed or sold.