The Little Rock Classroom Teachers Association has issued a statement responding to the drubbing they got from the School Board and the superintendent in a Democrat-Gazette report on a recent board work session. Theme: many on the board want an end, or a severe limitation, on union representation of teachers

The education of the students in the Little Rock School Distrct has been the basis for the contract between the School Board and the Little Rock CTA, which was originally signed nearly 40 years ago. It has been updated annually to keep up with changes in education and culture and to continually meet students needs. The Board and the CTA further agreed that developing and fulfilling the highest quality educational programs reqauire harmonious working relationships between board members, administrators and teachers.

Advertisement

We were extremely disappointed in published reports that some board members are willing to do away with this agreement, which is the foundation of the positive relationships that have developed among teachers, administrators and board members over the years. We are comitted to working with the board’s representatives in an atmosphere of mutual respect and professionalism to achieve the best possible learning environment for our students.

We are committed to an agreement that supports district-wide teaching and learning standards in every school in the district and for every student in the district.

Advertisement

We see the agreement as a mechanism for change in the district as well as a vehicle for giving teachers a professional voice in policies that affect their ability to learn effectively.

We believe an agreement between board members, administrators and teachers that sets down clear expectations and policies to help teachers and other school employees meet those expectations is necessary for a school or district to run smoothly.

Advertisement

The first sentence of Article I of the present contract says, “The Board and the Association recognize their responsibilities toward each other and to the community for negotiating in good faith to reach agreements which are mutually satisfactory.”

That is what we are doing and that is what we plan to continue doing. We firmly believe that people of good will can reach agreement on what is best for our children, even if it requires compromise on both sides. We are meeting with the Board’s representatives in the belief that they are operating on the same principle.

Advertisement

Are they, Supt. Brooks?

 

Advertisement

 

50 years of fearless reporting and still going strong

Be a part of something bigger and join the fight for truth by subscribing or donating to the Arkansas Times. For 50 years, our progressive, alternative newspaper in Little Rock has been tackling powerful forces through our tough, determined, and feisty journalism. With over 63,000 Facebook followers, 58,000 Twitter followers, 35,000 Arkansas blog followers, and 70,000 email subscribers, it's clear that our readers value our commitment to great journalism. But we need your help to do even more. By subscribing or donating – as little as $1 –, you'll not only have access to all of our articles, but you'll also be supporting our efforts to hire more writers and expand our coverage. Take a stand with the Arkansas Times and make a difference with your subscription or donation today.

Previous article “Mission Impossible III” opens at 10 tonight Next article A victory for secrecy