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Hindering teachers’ contracts
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Posted on Nov 03 2004
I’m concerned about Board of Education chair Roman Benavente’s position on teachers’ contracts, especially before I’ve even made the presentation on teacher tenure that was requested by the ad hoc committee. I guess it’s a signal to teachers that we have an “uphill challenge.” There are teachers like myself that have been working over a decade in the system on a two-year contract. But, at the same time, many teachers have left because of the two-year contract. I proposed a survey of all teachers that should be on the agenda for the next BOE meeting to prove the importance of teachers having a permanent contract and to address other concerns of the board and teachers.
What frightens me is the desire of the chair to fight against “protecting teachers’ rights” and salary rights in an attempt to maintain the status quo with the ability to terminate without cause or for no reason. I just hope this 19th century model for governance of teachers is not the consensus of the board, especially when there has been no meeting or vote on the issue. Every school district that I’ve researched in America has some form of a permanent contract and teachers’ rights are protected except those of the teachers in the CNMI. The NEA Higher Education Journal clearly stated, “The belief that teachers will become complacent with permanent contracts is only a belief” because “there is no research or evidence to support this belief.”
There is no formal grievance process for non-renewal of contracts at PSS and the appeal to the board is nothing more than making a wish. It should also be noted that PSS is not exempted from the Civil Service Commission by law nor does PSS’ autonomy status prevent teachers from falling under the commission. The big question is why aren’t teachers under the commission? I will try to find the answer to this in the near future. However, I’m sure, if given the opportunity, the presentation that I’m preparing with the school representatives on teacher retention will make a powerful and convincing statement to the board on behalf of CNMI teachers. I just hope the chair will give teachers the opportunity to prove him wrong.
Ambrose M. Bennett
BOE Teacher Rep
