Union Sues School Committee After State Orders Contract Changes

Mark Schieldrop:

Cranston teacher's union officials filed a lawsuit against the Cranston School Committee in Superior Court today, alleging the committee could violate the terms of the union contract by voting in changes to the Basic Education Plan.

The changes include a measure that would put an end to the annual job fair, during which teachers pick assignments based on seniority and certification. State Education Commissioner Deborah Gist ordered the changes. Gist, in correspondence with the school district, threatened Cranston with the loss of state aid and stripping the superintendent's certification, among other penalties, if the changes are not adopted.

In an interview, Cranston Teachers Alliance President Lizbeth Larkin said if the School Committee votes for the changes tonight, its members will have "abrogated" the contract. That's what prompted the union to file the anticipatory breach of contract suit today.

Posted by Jim Zellmer at April 24, 2013 1:20 AM
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