Last summer, the heralded TEACH for New Jersey was signed into law, basing continuation of tenure on performance. It marked a dramatic change in the relationship between public school employers and certificated staff.
Legislation that moves in the opposite direction by giving "tenure-like" protection to non-certificated staff is now advancing in the Senate and Assembly...In effect, the proposal would inhibit a school district's ability to make sound personnel management decisions. For example, if a school district faced a budgetary shortfall or a decline in student enrollment, its decision to eliminate the position of a non-teaching staff position would be subject to binding arbitration.
This bill is truly about protecting employers and employees. It will help our boards of education and county college boards of trustees and it will protect our cafeteria workers, bus drivers, secretaries, paraprofessionals, and so many other employees who help make our school districts and county colleges REAL communities.It seems unlikely to me that Gov. Christie would sign either of these bills, and equally unlikely that the Legislature would muster the 2/3 majority to override a veto. This little melodrama is more likely a stylized pander to NJEA, a bit of emoting intended to placate lobbyists who have undergone some significant losses, particularly the passage of bill that place limits on tenure and another that increase employee contributions to health and pension benefit premiums. "Hey, we tried," the legislators could ham it up post-performance. "It's that rotten Christie. Here's a check for Barbara Buono's campaign chest."
Labels: NJEA, school boards