State lets Cash revamp five schools without union OK
In one of her most significant actions as state education commissioner, MaryEllen Elia has granted Buffalo Superintendent Kriner Cash unprecedented power to make changes at the district’s most struggling schools without negotiating them with the teachers union.
Those changes could include a longer school day and year, required teacher training and more control over staffing – all things Cash says are essential to improve student performance.
“Students at these persistently struggling schools need help right now,” Elia wrote in a statement. “The receivership law gives the superintendent enhanced authority in order to maintain local control while facilitating rapid improvement in student outcomes. This receivership collective bargaining agreement will, among other things, enable Dr. Cash to more effectively utilize and deploy effective teachers and make changes to programs and teaching assignments – all of which will ensure that students in these struggling schools are provided with increased educational opportunities.”
In her decision, Elia imposes Cash’s proposals, but with modifications based on her review of parties’ positions and the existing collective bargaining agreement.
Cash indicated last week he wants to act quickly at those schools, but Elia’s decision will likely launch a court battle with the Buffalo Teachers Federation, which could seek an immediate injunction to prevent the changes.
Union President Philip Rumore has been working with New York State United Teachers putting together a case, and Rumore said they will file a lawsuit as soon as they can pull all of the appropriate materials together.
“Our position is receivership is the wrong answer to the wrong problem,” said Carl Korn, a NYSUT spokesman. “There is a concern that the state is rushing too fast without adequate support and funding for the districts.”
Buffalo, which comes second only to New York City in its number of receivership schools, is the first district to ask Elia to intervene under a part of the law that allows her to step in when school leaders cannot negotiate contractual changes with the union. Korn said other districts State lets Cash revamp five schools without union OK - City & Region - The Buffalo News: