Because tenure is not the right way to go... States are tired of being beholden to worthless unions ( not that unions in general are but most dont do what the are supposed to do) and not being able to get rid of bad ones or teachers.

Good pay (not that teachers get it- but they should IMHO), good benefits, honesty, a good adminstration, caring about education is the best way to recruit and retain good teachers not tenure

Thanks for that, JHB. I had no idea that some states dont offer tenure. maybe theone thing that IS the same all over the country, is that teachers are way underpaid for the job they do.

The existance/power of Teacher unions varies from state to state. Here in Texas, we don't really have that (or permanent tenure).

Teachers have contracts, but I believe it's pretty much just a standard year-to-year employment agreement.

I am surprised to hear that. Most teachers are tenured after 2 or 3 years, I believe, are aslo unionized, and therefor have almost too much 'job security'. Anyway, good luck to you!!

Thanks for all of the support. I know you are right. You are also right about the disillusionment of the teachers. They are afraid to act because of job security.

At least the other 99% of the group is with me on this. We have a meeting in the am and will let everyone know how it goes.

Flag--it can affect the children, even if you don't head the battle. Where is that money going?
Is it going somewhere that doesn't benefit the students? Isn't that what it is all about--benefitting the students? I'd be very concerned about that much money being spent without a group decision/discussion.
Plus, if the principal is being like this with you, how is he/she being with the teachers? What is their morale? Sounds like it really needs to be addressed now.
It is a scary and frustrating situation and I wish you well. Let us know what happens.

[ 11-05-2006, 11:51 PM: Message edited by: GaMom ]