ISTA members and friends, Does negotiating a completely new contract each time it expires sound reasonable to you? Representative Tim Harris of District 31, Grant and Blackford Counties, has publicly stated his support of eliminating teachers’ right to continuing contracts. Harris made his statement at a public forum held at the Marion Public Library on Saturday, October 14, 2006. Several teacher leaders and an ISTA UniServ Director were in attendance. Harris stated that, “continuing contracts give teacher an unfair advantage.” As current District 31 Representative, Harris has also voted for vouchers and tuition tax credits.
The effect of Harris’ idea of ending continuing contracts would be locals starting each contract negotiation with nothing! Who has the “unfair advantage” then? This would mean: -
the elimination of the salary schedule, -
arbitrary changes in insurance coverage and premiums by the board, -
unlimited work days within the contract year, -
increased hours in the school day, -
elimination of guaranteed prep time, -
involuntarily transferring teachers at will, -
administrative ability to capriciously RIFF whomever they want to get rid of, recalling whomever they please if they please, making seniority rights non-existent, -
the elimination of the grievance procedure, -
the reduced number of accumulated sick days and personal days, and -
no guaranteed rights beyond what the state law allows. Everything in the contract would expire and then have to be renegotiated each time your contract expires before a new one is ratified and adopted!
You can help prevent this regression to the 1950’s. This local election will effect us all, as individuals and as a whole, by defining the direction of our education profession. Make your voice heard throughout the state! Teachers in Blackford and Grant Counties have voted to recommend Larry Hile in his race for HD 31. Hile will protect our rights and support teachers and public education. I am asking that you call or contact anyone you know in Blackford or Grant Counties, and ask them to vote for Larry Hile, the IPACE and EduPac recommended candidate for District 31 State Representative. Your active support here will yield dividends to all ISTA members. Please join me in advocating for education throughout Indiana! Thanks for your help,  Rick Wright NEA / ISTA Board Member District 1M EduPac Chair
|