Schools

Webb: Elimination of the 'Equal Voice' Doctrine is Important

Neshaminy School Board President again reviewed the facts of the "Council Rock" proposal offered to the Neshaminy Federation of Teachers at Tuesday's school board meeting.

Neshaminy School Board President Ritchie Webb again reassured the community that the "Council Rock" proposal is not only affordable, but that it would offer the district savings.

Read more: NSB Credits Policy Change for Improved PSSA Scores

However, aside from financial aspects of the proposal, Webb addressed the "highly contentious" issue of equal voice.

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"The NFT position is that equal voice guarantees that teachers' voices are heard in district issues that affect their working conditions and also our students," Webb said.

But Webb said the reality is that equal voice has "hamstrung our principals and administrators because they no longer have the authority in their own buildings."

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Video: NSB President Ritchie Webb Addresses 'Council Rock' Proposal

"How could we possibly hold them accountable?" Webb asked.

A recent ruling from an arbitrator indicated that "the union's contractual right to equal voice supercedes the district's right to a final say of no," Webb said.

According to Webb, to bring "true education reform" to Neshaminy the "elimination of the equal voice doctrine is important, if not more important to our next contract as any financial issue."

Read more: NSB Promotes Jacqueline Rattigan to Assistant Superintendent

"We must build a process that allows our teachers to voice their opinions freely while maintaining the ultimate and undeniable decision-making authority of our administrators," he said.

Both sides will resume negotiations Thursday, Sept. 27.


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