Deb Gist threatens sanctions for Rhode Island districts using seniority as a factor in layoffs

[HiPointDem]

In a harshly worded letter, Education Commissioner Deborah A. Gist has alerted Rhode Island's school superintendents that she will take severe action against any district that is using seniority, job fairs or bumping to assign, keep or lay off teachers.

In a four-page letter dated Jan. 31 and released late Friday, Gist threatens to impose sanctions "up to and including loss of certification;" taking districts to court; or withholding state education aid unless they comply with her interpretation of a key education regulation called the Basic Education Program.

The Rhode Island Federation of Teachers promptly lashed back, saying Gist is bullying school committees and administrators and attempting to gut collective-bargaining rights. RIFT President Frank Flynn said that contrary to Gist's statements, education policy does not trump state labor law.

http://news.providencejournal.com/breaking-news/2013/02/providence----in-a-harshly.html

Gist, you may recall, was highly involved in the Central Falls case where all the teachers were fired.

She's also part of the Jeb Bush "FEE" mafiosa: one of Bush's 'Chiefs for Change". doesn't that sound cheery.

E-mails link Bush foundation, corporations and education officials

A nonprofit group released thousands of e-mails today and said they show how a foundation begun by Jeb Bush, the former Florida governor and national education reform leader, is working with public officials in states to write education laws that could benefit some of its corporate funders.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/answer-sheet/wp/2013/01/30/e-mails-link-bush-foundation-corporations-and-education-officials/

[proud2BlibKansan]

1. Gist showed her true colors during the Central Falls fiasco

What a slime.

[duffyduff]

3. Another Broadie. Enough said. n/t

[FBaggins]

2. I'd say it has little to do with her "interpretation" of the law.

The real question is whether a state law/regulation can supercede contract elements gained through collective bargaining... and then (if so), whether that creates a conflict with collective bargaining rights under other state laws.

Sounds like a question for the courts.