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AFT Mon. Address BOE Decision to Place Basic Skills Teachers in Art, Music, and Phys Ed Positions

In 2006 the people of Monongalia County recognized the need for funding our schools, over and above what the state requires. They stepped up to the plate for our students and we thank them for approving the excess levy. Unfortunately, county administrators are not living up to their end of the bargain.


            A loophole in state law, allows local school systems to assign basic skills teachers to areas in the fine arts, over someone who has specialized in art, music or physical education, or another particular field. The administrators argue that this allows them more flexibility with their work force. Now, our position…which in no way demeans the abilities of basic skills teachers, recognizes that the best outcomes are attained when those teachers who specialized in a certain field of instruction (art, music, physical education,ect.), are teaching those classes. The excess levy, in part, is specifically designed to provide the funding that ensures that this is the norm…not the exception. What is most important here…the taxpayers have spoken, they have approved funding for fine arts education. Administrators have found a loophole that allows them to substitute their priorities over those of the voters, and more importantly, over what is best for the students.


            Now, as we said above…what county administrators are doing is legal, under state law. But is it ethical? Is it the best method to encourage professional development? Is it in the best interests of the students?


            AFT West Virginia is calling for legislation to close this loophole and ensure that certified fine arts instructors are filling the positions that they trained for, delivering fine arts instruction at the level that our students deserve…and the taxpayers have funded. We have informed the Mon County School Board of our position on this matter. Please contact your delegates and senators, as well as board members and let them know that this policy is contrary to the high standards that were promised to those that supported the passage of the levy. For more information, contact AFT MON President Lynn Ann Calwges at (304)282-3300, or AFT-WV representative Frank Caputo (304)545-1626.