Teacher strikes will continue Tuesday in three North Shore communities, although negotiators reported “significant progress” in contract negotiations Monday.

“We made such significant progress today that there was a real possibility that we could reach an agreement tonight that would have opened schools tomorrow,” Gloucester Public Schools Superintendent Ben Lummis said in a statement. communicated to families Monday evening. “Unfortunately, we will still have to continue working together through the night and into tomorrow to finalize an agreement.”

Gloucester’s superintendent of schools said families and staff should “prepare to be in school on Wednesday, November 20,” marking the most optimistic tone from school districts since Gloucester’s strike votes, Beverly and Marblehead over a week ago.

Beverly and Gloucester have been on strike since Friday, November 8, and the Marblehead Education Association followed on Tuesday, November 12.

Teacher strikes are illegal in Massachusetts, and the three unions were ordered last week by the court to begin paying $50,000 per day, plus a $10,000 surcharge for each day they strike. If the strikes last until the end of the workday Tuesday, the Beverly and Gloucester unions will owe $350,000 in fines and the MEA will owe $260,000.

Both sides of the negotiations in Beverly and Marblehead did not share the Gloucester superintendent’s confidence about reopening Wednesday, but noted progress in negotiations and many took a less accusatory tone than in previous days.

MEA members said they gained the opportunity to negotiate face-to-face with the school committee on Monday, which they called “an important step toward rebuilding trust.”

“Now that we are finally meeting face to face, we are confident that educators and school committee members speaking directly and honestly with each other will generate movement toward a fair settlement that will allow schools to reopen as soon as possible,” the MEA said . in a statement.

Beverly School Committee Chairwoman Rachel Abell said committee members “remain optimistic that we can reach an agreement tonight” around 7 p.m. Monday, although classes were canceled around 7 p.m. 1:30 a.m. The Chair highlighted the committee’s proposal to increase paraprofessional salaries as an important benefit. compromise.

In a statement released at noon, Beverly educators continued to assert that school committee members were “(negotiating) in a regressive manner” and trying to “break” the union.

Educators highlighted significant raises for paraprofessionals, as well as other educators, and paid family leave as major priorities in negotiations.