By Antonio D. French
Filed Wednesday, May 10 at 9:00 AM
The president of the St. Louis teachers union addressed the school board and the district's superintendent last night to defend her members from what she said were unwarranted attacks.
Mary Armstrong, president of Local 420, reminded Superintendent Creg Williams that the average number of teacher absences, which he publicly has complained about, still falls within the number allowed by the their contract.
"We had warned the district that PTOs (time allowed for personal time off from work) would cost the district more than sick days ever would," said Armstrong. She said that under their old contract, sick days were tracked and monitored. Under the contract, the district opted to reduce the number of sick days allowed and instead allow for PTOs, which allow teachers a certain number of days to take off for any reason.
Byron Clemons, vice-president of the union, said that attacking teachers makes it more difficult for the district to attract quality staff.
"Few districts (in the region) have a less friendly policy than St. Louis Public Schools," said Clemons.
1 Comments:
I agree with Mary Armstrong. Teachers shouldn't be punished or criticized for following district policy.
District policy needs to be changed.
Wednesday, May 17, 2006 1:51:00 PM
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