The Teachers’ Association of Newport (TAN) voted unanimously this week to “work to contract” effective immediately and to hold at least two informational pickets on dates to be announced, according to a press release received on Friday from the National Education Association Rhode Island (NEARI).
According to the press release, TAN’s actions are “in response to the Superintendent’s recent decisions to persistently violate the existing contract as well as settled labor law”.
Although the announcement did not make this clear, “work to contract” usually means that members will abide by the terms of their contract but not do more than that.
“TAN met on August 19 to discuss the status of multiple pending labor disputes precipitated by the unlawful and unilateral job placement process held in June by Superintendent Colleen Jermain and ratified by the Newport School Committee,” the press release states. “After lengthy discussion, the membership took the two unanimous votes. Working to contract means that TAN members will only perform duties outlined within their existing contract. An informational picket is a public opportunity for Newport teachers to inform the community and amplify their concerns; it is not a job action nor is it a strike”.
The press release says that the Union has four pending grievances as well as four Unfair Labor Practice charges pending at the Rhode Island State Labor Relations Board.
“In addition, the Union filed a lawsuit against the Superintendent, the School Committee, and the City of Newport seeking injunctive relief to stop the ongoing violations. Though a motion on the matter in June was denied, the lawsuit remains pending,” the press release states.
“While we did meet throughout the summer in an attempt to reach a global settlement on all issues, the Superintendent has refused to commit to any effort to correct the multiple errors created when she imposed the job fair without the Union’s involvement,” said TAN President Jennifer Hole in a statement. “These errors have had a ripple effect across the district with many teachers placed in positions they have never held before and forcing many to seek emergency certifications just to stay employed.”
Additionally, the press release states that the Union voted no confidence in the Superintendent and Ronilee Mooney, the director of multi-lingual learners, in June over the Superintendent’s drastic restructuring plans.
“These plans were implemented without any input from teachers. Moreover, the teachers have lacked adequate support from the district to implement these restructuring plans for the rapidly approaching school year, which will undoubtedly harm students,” the press release states.
“The Superintendent has shown time and again that it is more important to ‘win’ this battle than abide the existing contract and the law,” said Hole.
What’sUpNewp contacted Newport School Superintendent Colleen Burns Jermain for comment on Friday. In response to our inquiry, Jermain shared the following by email;
“Unfortunately, after numerous attempts to try to come to a resolution we have not at this time. Our team has spent many hours and made many efforts to come to a resolution. I will remain hopeful that in the very near future, we will be able to resolve our differences so all of us can have a great start to the new school year.”
Wednesday, September 4, is the first day of the 2024 – 2025 school year for Newport students.
