Claremont
“The current schedule is what’s best for our students and the time it’s been in use has shown that,” Rapp wrote in his email.
“Unfortunately, the arbitrator ignored past rulings that show setting the schedule sits firmly with the board. The board will have to decide whether or not to abdicate that responsibility.”
Monday’s ruling by independent arbitrator Gary Altman was the second one he issued in favor of the Claremont teachers union on the matter of class scheduling at Stevens. Altman said the A/B schedule, which the union opposes, violates the collective bargaining agreement and side agreements with the Sugar River Education Association and the district must revert to the old schedule beginning next fall.
The A/B schedule was implemented at the beginning of this school year. Altman also said in his ruling that because it created additional instructional time, the district must pay teachers 8 percent of their salaries as compensation.
Rapp said that percentage is equal to about $153,000, or between $3,500 and $5,500 per teacher. The union sought 30 percent and the board offered 2 percent.
“As far as impact bargaining was concerned, I’m very pleased with the ruling,” Rapp said. “The arbitrator’s award of 8 percent is obviously much closer to the board’s offer and I feel it is reasonable.
“We agreed that the award for impact would be binding, however the New Hampshire Supreme Court precedent shows that the board has control over the schedule.”
At the conclusion of Wednesday’s School Board meeting, Superintendent Middleton McGoodwin did not say what would happen next, but also did say the administration was not ready to accept the ruling on the schedule and return to the old block schedule. Under that schedule, students take the same subjects every day for a semester.
McGoodwin also said the School Board could challenge Altman’s decision to the Public Employees Labor Relations Board or in court.
“I think that is a topic the School Board and the union need to discuss,” McGoodwin said.
The A/B schedule — defined as taking subjects on alternating days for an entire year — was recommended by a committee, which included faculty. Both the board and administration believe it has improved student learning and provided better opportunity for intervention with students who are struggling academically. The union voted against its implementation.
Patrick O’Grady can be reached at pogclmt@gmail.com.
Correction
SAU 6 Superintendent Middleton McGoodwin said after a Claremont School Board meeting Wednesday night that his administration is not ready to accept a ruling by an arbitrator and return to the old block schedule format at Stevens High School. An earlier version of this story incorrectly reported McGoodwin’s stance.
