Editorial: Teacher Morale Again, or, The Beatings Will Continue Until Morale Improves
So have you heard some of the horror stories I have heard from HUSD teachers?
Here are some good ones:
- One teacher told me that she was chewed out severely for speaking with a board member at all without an administrator present. Yup — apparently it was a no-no for teachers to have any direct contact with governing board members.
- Another told me that he was forced to sign off on false documents regarding the tools provided for a special needs student. He said that is a regular practice in the district.
- Still another told me that he filed three grievances with the administration and nary a one made it to the board where they belonged.
- Several have recounted case after case of being bullied and intimidated by administrators for all sorts of things. Some have described the vindictive streak Ms. Lutrey has shown with any and all teachers who dare cross her or her lieutenants in any way.
Now I don’t want to be a Chicken Little with these sorts of reports but when I hear personal testimony with my own ears from teachers or former teachers who I believe are trustworthy I have all kinds of reasons to be concerned.
HUSD has a major problem. I suspect it will take some major management changes to solve that problem. The new board will need to step up and drive that change come next January.
What do you think? Do you have stories that will offset these horror stories I have heard? Or do you have some horror stories of your own to share? Sound off in the comments either way.
dano:
I have similar stories, my co-workers have similar stories.
October 15, 2008, 2:58 amTeachers and staff must fly below the radar in HUSD, and do as they are told- or else.
Anyone who dares speak out against any wrong- to a board member or parent group- will be seriously reprimanded.
Just another reason for the high turn over rate in HUSD- employees being afraid, so they just find a safer working environment elsewhere.
Geoff Johnston:
Those are the things I keep hearing as well Dano. It seems there is a need for a major culture change at HUSD.
October 16, 2008, 7:13 pmKatie:
Someone should look into the employee that was asked to choose between resignation or termination at the district level on Friday. The employee had gone to HR on several occasions within the past few months concerned about practices that were taking place that they felt personally at battle with in addition to a workload that they were taking on that belonged to their supervisor. This employee had not had a single problem within the workplace until they received a new supervisor who found a way to work the system to their advantage. This is a person who was willing to forgo their own personal vacations, time off and goals to give to the district. A person who had a wonderful working relationship with all that worked with them, the parents of the district and the children. This is a person who was always willing to jump in and help whenever needed and was always there to pick up a phone to assist. With the news of the vacancy of the position word traveled quickly and an entire department is now at risk. The employee tried to reach out for assistance numerous times and was bullied or ignored. Now, the employee waits to see what their future looks like while they are being slandered in the office and are unable to speak to clear their own name. In my opinion, it is time someone opens their eyes and starts asking questions.
December 6, 2008, 11:39 amKelly:
Katie - This person who was probably given the choice to be terminated or resign on her own was probably not doing their job well. We have to remember that all district employees are there to serve the students and their parents. One time I was in the building waiting to meet with someone and there was some children with their parent filling out registration paperwork. These children were playing around giggling and their younger sibling started crying. And all of a sudden this employee comes out from the front back room angry yelling at these children that this is a place of business! And that they needed to settle down and stay beside their parent. I could see the parent having a hard time trying to fill these forms out and trying to gather her children next to her. So I assisted her by reading a book to the the children that were giggling out loud. I was so shocked and felt so bad for this parent to have to hear this from someone who is there for children. I can understand if this was a bank or a lawyers office or a public library. But come on this place represents children! I was just hoping that this parent asked to speak to someone above this person to get this awful person out of this office!
December 6, 2008, 11:50 pmPeggy:
Was the person who was fired the person who was “yelling” at the kids? There are always employees who could do better- at any job, and in any business.
I heard that a lady was asked to resign or be terminated last week. I also heard that she was planning to file a greivance of sexual harassment with HR against her supervisor, so the district let her go before anything could come of it. I don’t know how much of this is true, but I would not be suprised if HUSD is again in the media soon.
And of course the district let her go, this way she will appear to the public just to be an angry employee. If she was given the option to be terminated- I hope she chooses that option, then she can get unemployment. Also, if she was given the option of resigning- then she probably did not do anything wrong. If there is a solid basis for employee termination, then the employee is usually terminated. If there is an option of resignation, then the office just wants her out of there, and has insufficient evidence for termination.
December 7, 2008, 4:26 pmMaybe the board will question this when the issue reaches the board meeting agenda.
yesman:
I am a teacher in the district. The rumors are true. Why don’t more teachers come forward? For the same reason I am going to keep this short and vague. Fear of being targeted and dismissed. The only ones you will hear from are the ones who have already decided to leave or who can speak anonymously.
December 7, 2008, 10:17 pm