WTU 'Outraged' Over Coming Teacher Layoffs
WTU President George Parker. Photo by Meaghan Gay for DCist.
Parker, and other union advocates like teaching blogger Candi Peterson, also voiced suspicion that layoffs might target what Peterson calls "veteran teachers of color." "This is something that we as a union are going to be looking at very, very carefully," Parker told The Post. Chancellor Michelle Rhee said yesterday that "every staff member will be on equal footing" when it comes to personnel decisions, but from the WTU's point of view, that shouldn't be the case - current policy is designed to give preference to tenured teachers with seniority over new hires, an issue that has been at the center of the ongoing contract negotiations.
Full text of Parker's letter is below:
STATEMENT FROM GEORGE PARKER, PRESIDENT, WASHINGTON TEACHERS’ UNION ON REDUCTION IN FORCE FOR D.C. PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Six weeks into the 200910 school year, DC Mayor Adrian Fenty today announced that there will be layoffs of D.C. teachers and school staff.
WASHINGTON —The Washington Teachers’ Union (WTU) is deeply disturbed by the timing of the announced teacher layoffs. Further, we are outraged by the District’s decision not to share this information with the union, parents and other stakeholders in a manner that would have allowed for mitigation.
For months, the WTU and DC Public Schools have been engaged in continuous contract talks. During this time, new teachers were hired and assigned, and experienced teachers were excessed. Until late last week, no information was shared about the proposed reduction in the teacher workforce. We have been focused on reaching an agreement that is good for kids and fair to teachers. The manner and timing of the mayor’s announcement at best reflects extreme mismanagement and a lack of transparency. At worst, the move is a sign of disrespect for DC’s new and experienced teachers, and shows callous disregard for students.
We are examining the details surrounding this reduction in force and will not be satisfied until we have answers to the serious questions that now face the educators and children of the District.