Transfers Continue Chaotic Classrooms for Kids

The never ending transfer travesty created by the Glascoe/Rush administration rolled on in high gear through September and into October. In the last fourteen months, from June, 2006 through September, 2007 one thousand two hundred eighty-six (1,286) letters of transfer went to nine hundred four (904) members of the P.E.A., and more transfers, which have not yet been counted, were received as the Advocate went to press.

Of the staff members transferred (moved from building to building) or reassigned (moved from one grade to another within a school) or affected by a combination of both, four staff members were moved five times; 18 were moved four times; 58 were hit three times; and one hundred seventy-five (175) staff members were transferred or reassigned twice. Approximately 20% of the staff members affected are victims of multiple transfers. P.E.A. cannot be certain that it has received copies of all transfers at this point.

The administration has stated that these transfers, affecting at least 1/3 of the staff, were necessary for budgetary needs. No evidence of this claim has been provided. What does seem evident is an attempt to move senior staff members, and place them in positions with which they are neither comfortable nor prepared to teach. Of the 1,234 letters sent, 805 letters, or 65% of those transferred or reassigned were sent to staff member 40 years of age or older. Age discrimination allegations usually look to staff members forty years of age and older. P.E.A. has submitted this information to NJEA attorneys for review.

In the meantime, a rumored goal of "forcing" 700 senior staff members to retire seems to continue. Of the letters sent, 776 of them, or a startling 60% were over the age of 40, with nine letters going to staff members older 70 years of age who continued to function satisfactorily in their assignments. Of those 55 and older, 380 staff members were transferred or reassigned.

P.E.A. continues to monitor these issues and provide attorneys with data in this area.