Retaliation and "The List"

At the GPS School Board meeting last week, many GPS staff members who spoke out mentioned a fear of retaliation from board members.

There has also been discussion about a supposed "list" of certified personnel that one or more school board members may vote not to renew their contract.

I have copied some relevant board policy below.  (highlights are my own, policies are copied directly from GPS website)

My interpretation:

•          GBA Harassment covers actions by board members
•           GCB clearly differentiates the Superintendent evaluation from all other personnel.  Policy specifically calls out that the Board shall evaluate the Superintendent.  For all others, board policy indicates that they shall be evaluated.
•           BCA indicates that the board should delegate authority for administration of schools to the Superintendent.
•           BCA calls out impartial evaluation of all personnel.
•           Nowhere does board policy call out the need for the board to review and approve contracts on an individual basis.  Common practice in other districts is for them to be done as a group as part of the consent agenda.  Non-renewals would be the responsibility of the Superintendent prior to board review.
•      Principal review guidelines are very detailed.  Have board members reviewed all of this information prior to voting?
•     If a board member is going to vote not to renew someone’s contract, what information is it based on?

Are board members overstepping their authority or violating board policy?  

If you believe so, please contact them by phone or email and let them know you are watching.

GBA - General Prohibition Against Unlawful Discrimination and Harassment

·         The District recognizes its responsibility and is committed to maintaining an employment environment for its staff that is free from unlawful discrimination and harassment, including, but not limited to, race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, veteran status, or religion towards fellow employees The District prohibits discrimination and harassment by District employees. This policy also covers harassment by third parties not directly subject to District control when such persons are engaged in work related/school-sponsored activities.

BCA – Board member ethics

·         Recognize that decisions should be made only after discussion at publicly held board meetings;

·         Render all decisions based on the available facts and independent judgment, and refuse to surrender that judgment to individuals or special-interest groups;

·         Work with other board members to establish effective Board policies and to delegate authority for the administration of the schools to the Superintendent;

·         Support the employment of persons best qualified to serve as school staff members, and insist on a regular and impartial evaluation of all personnel;

·         Remember always that a board member's first and greatest concern must be the educational welfare of the students attending the public schools.

GCB - Evaluation

·         Superintendent - The Board shall evaluate the Superintendent and review the Superintendent's contract annually by December 31. The term of the Superintendent's contract shall be determined by the Board. In accordance with statute, the term may be for any period not to exceed three years.

·         Assistant and Associate Superintendents - Assistant and Associate Superintendents shall be evaluated annually on or before April 1. The Board shall annually review the contracts of these employees in April. The term of such contracts shall be determined by the Board. In accordance with statute, the term for Assistant or Associate Superintendents may not exceed one year. 

·         Principals and Directors - Principals shall be evaluated annually on or before April 1. The Board shall annually review the contracts of these employees in April. The term of such contracts shall be determined by the Board. In accordance with statute, the term for a Principal or Director may be for any period not exceeding three years. 

·         Assistant Principals - Assistant Principals shall be evaluated annually on or before April 1. The Board shall annually review the contracts of these employees in April. The term of such contracts shall be determined by the Board. In accordance with statute, the term for Assistant Principals may not exceed one year.

·         Teachers and Other Certificated Personnel - Teachers shall be evaluated in accordance with the District's evaluation system. The Board shall annually review the contracts of Teachers and other certificated personnel in April. The term of such contracts shall be determined by the Board. In accordance with statute, the term may not exceed one year.