The union that represents Newport’s teachers is seeking a temporary restraining order to block Newport schools from holding a job fair tomorrow (Thursday) while unfair labor charges and grievances are pending in relation to the displacement of 41 teachers and layoff of 16 others.
The dispute between the union and school administration erupted over the last few weeks, when layoff and displacement notices were sent to more than 20 percent of the teaching workforce.
The Teachers Association of Newport, a chapter of the National Education Association of
Rhode Island (NEARI) filed in Superior Court today seeking a temporary restraining order. According to the union, the hearing will be held in Superior Court tomorrow morning at 11.
According to Jennifer Azevedo, deputy executive director of NEARI and lawyer, four unfair labor practice charges were also filed on Tuesday at the Rhode Island State Labor Relations Board. The union had also said previously that three grievances were also being filed with the school committee.
The filings follow a vote of no confidence by the Teachers Association of Newport (TAN) last week.
Union officials said last week that the jobs that are being eliminated “effect the most vulnerable of our kids.” They include interventionalists in math and reading, and behavioral specialists.
Meanwhile, Superintendent of Schools Colleen Burns Jermain defended the administration’s actions, and promised to “continue to work to offer alternative roles and positions in other capacities so that everyone possible has a job. Our doors are open and remain so to work this out. We want as many of our staff as possible back in our schools.”
At issue for the teachers is a lack of communication, failure to honor seniority requirements and procedures included in the teachers’ contract, the elimination of jobs they see as critical for students, the lack of professional training opportunities.