Reclaiming the Promise of Fairness
Some of the worst bullies in our school system wear suits and work in offices. But fortunately, help is on the way. Two of our incoming school board members have experienced this problem themselves and it’s one of the reasons why they got themselves elected. Now we can take your complaints and pass them on to someone who will take them seriously.
When you are called to the office for a private meeting about your job you have a right to a silent witness and reasonable advance notice in order to allow your witness to attend. The following is adapted from a handout used by one of our affiliates. Use it.
“If this could in any way lead to my being disciplined, or terminated, or affect my personal working conditions, I respectfully request that my Prince William Federation of Teachers representative be present at this meeting. Without representation present, I cannot participate in this discussion.”
Making History, Part 2
PWFT President Bill Hosp has had his guest opinion article published in the December 4-10 issue of Prince William Today. A copy of the article is attached for members to read. This is the formal launching of PWFT’s campaign to repeal the 2012 addition of one half hour to the teacher workday. Most of the members of the new school board that take office or begin a new term in January have expressed their support.
Our mission is to stir up public support as the school board negotiates how they can make this happen. There will be administrative opposition to this reform and we cannot let them wear down our supporters on the board. The time for complaining is past. Now is the time to take action. Look for future developments and opportunities to make your voice heard on this important step toward restoring teacher morale.
School Calendar for 2016-2017
The PWCS Calendar Committee presented its report to the school board on December 2nd and it will be up for a vote on December 16th. The committee has offered two options, one that opens school prior to Labor Day and one that starts school after Labor Day. Both plans treat the presidential election, Thanksgiving, Winter Holidays and Spring Break the same, so the choice is really about when school starts and finishes.
Copies of the two draft calendars are included with this newsletter as attachments.
We would like our members to take this opportunity to share your preference with us. In order to make things simple we ask you to simply reply to this newsletter with your typed response, “before Labor Day” or “after Labor Day.”
Member of the Month
Susan Oliver at Cedar Point E.S. is our Member of the Month for signing up a new member on her own. Congratulations and thanks for setting a good example.