LI Schools Scandals

Parents and taxpayers are typically only interested in the quality of the education their children receive and the impact that education has on their property tax bill. Both of those items are plainly available for the discerning parent and homeowner. One just has to ask, or do simple research. It is not so obvious, however, what occurs behind closed BOE, Teacher’s Union, and Administration doors when the issue of teacher performance or character or discipline comes into question. One thing’s for sure, however; there is collusion and cooperation, to the detriment of the teacher.

There is a great disparity in how teachers are disciplined to the extent that some teachers guilty of criminal or unethical acts (even heinous acts) continue to teach unscathed, while other teachers guilty of minor transgressions, or plain vanilla complaints are unfairly treated, shamed, embarrassed, decertified, and fired (or otherwise removed from employment without remedy or accommodation, as is their right). The “due process” process is grossly unfair to the accused. I'll save that shocking story for a follow-up publication.

There are stories, verified stories, of individual teachers sexually harassing an entire class of students, and their teacher. Stories, verified, of teachers coming to school drunk and drinking all day in their classrooms. Stories, verified, of teachers arrested on drug possession charges and DUI. Stories, verified, of teachers partying with students in the teachers’ homes. Stories, verified, of teachers putting students in harm’s way (the cinnamon challenge comes to mind). THESE teachers kept their jobs!

Why are these horrendous transgressions swept under the district carpet? Who decides which teachers to protect from public and legal scrutiny, and who decides which teachers are to be vilified for a “hiccup”? What kind of deals are being made behind those closed doors, and why? The disciplinary process is defined by State law, but implemented unfairly by districts, while the employee is represented poorly or selectively by the Teacher’s Union. All too often, the teacher loses their career and future, the district loses a good teacher, the unknowing public pays for it all and no one is the wiser.

I am willing to discuss my commentary with anyone willing to email me at Gsanto2006@optonline.net {if the editor allows this?}