Hmph. . .I want some rum.
I didn't put this on Facebook, because I have many co-workers including supervisors on FB. . .
The district released 20 certified teachers last week from contracts for the following year. Every person of retirement age was called to a meeting (not including the 20 certified released) and told they would not receive a contract, but would be rehired at a 32% paycut if and only if they could not find a replacement (ie--a 1st year teacher with only a bachelor's degree). My principal was one of the ones called into the meeting Thursday afternoon. His position has already been filled.
Tomorrow is his 65th birthday. We had a surprise party for him yesterday and it was very difficult for me not to cry through the whole thing. He leaned over to me and said, "Don't you start." In my 15 years teaching I have never respected any person supervising me more than I respect him. The replacement for him is a good principal, and she's the second person I would want to work for in the district. But the second is no where near as good as the first.
In all, 18 people in my school alone did not get a contract yesterday. When the dust settles, I think almost 50 people overall were told they would not have a job next year or that they would be in jeopardy.
I lost 10 days from my 210 day contract, but that is not even the foremost problem in my mind. I'd gladly lose 30 days if it saved my principal's job.
I'm sorry, it's been a hard week. Tears are brimming over right now and I don't even want to stop them.
On the bright side, at least I received a contract. Unlike other years when I held onto it until the last day, yesterday when the secretary handed it to me, I signed it and handed it directly back to her.