Reduction In Force

I took a president's day yesterday to catch on both school work and union work. The season of layoffs is upon us. I spent much of the day trying to figure out who would be laid off in the district. I had asked the financial officer and his secretary for a list of names that were to be laid off. Also I asked for several criteria and hire dates of all certificated employees. When by Monday it didn't arrive, I called his secretary and she said that it was in my mailbox.

I was shocked to see the number of employees "fired". But after some investigation found out that these people were temporary hires. It is the policy of the district to fire "temporaries" then rehire them if they need them the next year. They can be hired from year to year in this way. My friend, Kathy told me that one of the people she represents is actually a tenured teacher. If that is the case then there is a mistake on the sheet.

Rumors abound when financial times are tight. That the continuation school at our other high school is closing- is one of those rumors. Both teachers are temporary and were released (fired). The district maintains as many temporary positions as they can. In tough times it allows them to simply fire the teachers without any fuss. In all, eight teachers have "non reelects" or firings, two from the continuation school, three from the other high school and three called consortium- nurses, psychologists, special programs teachers. For a small district like ours, that is a lot.

At 4 PM I went to CTA Sonoma County wide meeting. I had called all the teacher whom I thought had a possibility of being laid off. Fortunately two of those were not. I went partially to be able to inform our members of the alternatives available. Helen and Andy, out Sonoma County Association Reps, moderated the meeting. Only one Analy teacher was at the meeting and he was there to help out another teacher who could not make it. Six lawyers sat at the front of the room to advise the 50 or so laid off teachers in the room. Each one gave a little spiel on how to move forward with their case and get the best possible representation.

This morning I got a call from one of our counselors who was laid off of 20% of her job. I heard first hand about the problems that she as a single mother will have in dealing with layoff. Also her hire date was the same as another counselor and she questioned the district's point system in choosing her for layoff. It is a good avenue to pursue.

Tomorrow is our local's general meeting where we will hash out what we want to do in negotiations. I have a pile of tasks still to do before that meeting. And also I must teach.