4135

4235

Personnel -- Certified and Non-Certified

Organizations and Units

Teacher-Administrator-Board of Education Relationships

The primary goal of the Preston Schools school system is to provide the best possible education for children. High teacher morale is important to achieve this goal. The Board of Education encourages participation of staff members in activities of professional organizations and encourages organizations to exercise their rights and responsibilities clearly established by law:

A.  The Board of Education, under law, has the final responsibility of establishing policies for the school system.

B.  The Superintendent and staff have the responsibility of carrying out the policies established.

C.  The certified teaching personnel have the ultimate responsibility for providing excellent education in the classroom.

Attainment of Goals

Attainment of the goals of the educational program conducted in the schools of the district requires mutual understanding and cooperation among the Board of Education, the Superintendent and administrative staff, the certified personnel, the non-certified personnel and other citizens of the community.  Free and open exchange of views is desirable, proper and necessary.

Teachers and Teachers' Organization

Teachers have the right to join, or to refrain from joining, any organization for their professional or economic improvement and for the advancement of public education, but membership in any organization shall not be required as a condition of employment of a teacher in the schools of the district.

Employee Organizations 

All employees are free to join or not to join employee organizations. Decisions affecting the individual employee are made without regard to membership or non membership in such organizations. Each employee is entitled to his/her individual legal or ethical rights and privileges.

Employees shall not be interfered with, intimidated, restrained, coerced or discriminated against, either by the school district or by employee organizations. They shall have the right to participate through representatives of their own choosing in the presentation of their views to the Board of Education.

Policy Development and Review

The Superintendent shall consult with appropriate personnel and employee organizations in suggesting and establishing desired policies and regulations relating to Board of Education teacher-administrator relationships and in other matters as provided by law.

The Board of Education will review policies annually and as otherwise necessary and will consider suggested revisions or additions that improve relationships and promote the educational welfare of the children attending the schools of the district.

Bargaining Units

Unit clarification petitions concerning the appropriate composition of an existing bargaining unit shall be filed with the Commissioner of Education as required.

Legal Reference:   Connecticut General Statutes

10-153a Rights concerning professional organization and negotiations.

10-153b Selection of teachers' representatives.

10-153c Disputes as to elections.

10-153e Strikes prohibited. Interference with the exercise of employees' rights prohibited.

46a-60 Discriminatory employment practices prohibited.

Policy adopted:  7/11/05