By James Lomuscio
A non-tenured Westport teacher received this letter from Schools Superintendent Elliott Landon. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Contributed photo
A Staples High School teacher says she and other non-tenured Westport teachers received a letter from Schools Superintendent Elliott Landon stating that he will recommend their contracts not be renewed next year.
In the same letter dated March 1, Landon thanks the teacher for her service and suggests she reapply.
“We are being given assurances that these letters are a legal formality, and that we will end up being renewed after the budget passes,” the teacher, who did not want to be named, said.
“However, legally, the district is clearly prepared for the possibility that some quantity of teachers will be laid off,” she added.
In the letter, Landon states that he will make the recommendation not to renew to the school board in an executive session, Monday, March 21, unless the non-tenured teachers request an open session.
“We would be pleased to consider your application for a position for which you are qualified for the 2011-2011 school year,” Landon writes, suggesting they contact Marge Cion, director of Human Resources, at her email address.
Landon did not respond to several phone calls on the matter. A phone call to Donald O’Day, chairman of the Board of Education, was also not returned, as was an email to Kathy Sharp, president of the Westport Education Association (WEA).
However, Richard Leonard, former WEA president and an attorney, shed some light on the letter’s mixed message.
“There’s a statute that says if you have to let people go, you have to notify them by March 1,” said Leonard. “Around budget time, when you do not know what the budget will be in these parlous times, the superintendent really had to do something.
“He could either pick out the six people he may have to lay off, which he would not do, or he could send out a letter to all the non-tenures, which is what he did do, even though none of them may lose their jobs.
“It all depends on what the budget is,” he added.
Leonard said he estimates that as many as 40 percent of the town’s 456 teachers are non-tenured.
Any chance of Landon taking a pay cut?
Rather than consider a reduction in the number if teachers who are the crucial individuals in the education of our children, a reduction in the number of administrators would be more appropriate. If needed, at least consider a reduction of some of their salaries as suggested by Matt Murray.
A. Beasley, M.D.
Wrong just does not describe how out of line this logic is. Sewing panic so residents jump to conclusions on the Education budgeting process.
First, growing up in Westport my most valued teachers were the newest with the most enthusiasm and most up to date training. Granted, there were many tenured teachers that were great and made a difference, but no question there were many tenured teachers that were riding out their position to retirement and were of no value at all, not good for a year of education. Mayor Bloomberg has it spot on teachers should be retained on performance not tenure, you do not strengthen the herd without the constant injection of new blood and competition with the young.
Second, is a question, how many administrators, non teaching staff and assistants are really needed? Growing up in Westport in the 60-70s, class sizes were bigger, each with one teacher (no assistants) one principal per school and one guidance counselor per elementary school, 2-3 in Jr Hi and 3-4 in High School. The town turned out some great talent and leaders and sent a huge percentage to the best universities. Now we support of a system of teachers that need multiple assistants, multiple psychologists, multiple administrators, multiple specialists in every school, a special ed group in each school that cannot handle a large group of students that the town must pay for private education outside our system….
Yet, we see Elliott looking to eliminate the new promising blood rather than face the real problems that affect our Education budget, it seems easier to bully new teachers than have a will, knowledge and the strength to make things better and stronger in the short and long term for the Westport School system.
Maybe Landon should devote some of his $298,000 salary to keep this teacher on board? After all, it IS about the children, right Mr. Landon? I’m sure if you don’t top the moneymaker list next year, it’s not the end of the world. Remember….it’s ALL about concessions from everyone. Including yourself……
These pay cut suggestions are logical but at the same time foolish and naive.
How about you voluntarily pay additional property tax, Ray? If you really believe what you just wrote, it IS about the children, and it’s ALL about concessions from everyone, yes?
We already have involuntary increases. In the end, it is all the same. But imagine the volumes it would speak, for our senior management at the Board of Ed to decline any increases and give back a portion of their salaries.
Thanks for your input, Herb. I HAVE given my concessions, and paid my fair share of property tax increases over the years, like the rest of us have. Thanks for your concern, however.