Petition for Review and Rectification of Employment Practices in the Box Elder School District

Introduction:

We, the undersigned, are concerned community members, educators, and supporters of a teacher who has faced unfair treatment within the Box Elder School District. We respectfully request a formal review of the circumstances surrounding this teacher’s resignation, which we believe was the result of unjust and unethical practices.

Background:

The teacher in question, known for her dedication and exceptional work with students, faced a series of actions that appear to violate Utah’s state laws and ethical standards governing educational practices. Despite her proven track record, she was subjected to conduct that raises serious concerns about fairness, transparency, and the adherence to professional ethics within the district.

Key Issues:

1. Unprofessional Conduct and Exclusion:

• During team meetings, the teacher was deliberately excluded from important discussions. In one instance, a sticky note was circulated among other team members containing information that was withheld from the teacher. The principal, in front of the entire team, criticized the teacher based on this information without allowing her to verify or respond to the alleged performance issues.

• Relevant Standards: This behavior violates the Utah Administrative Code R277-515, which mandates fairness, respect, and professionalism in the conduct of all educators. The exclusion of a colleague from critical information, particularly when it pertains to their performance, undermines a collaborative and respectful work environment.

2. Failure to Document Positive Feedback:

• The principal failed to document positive observations of the teacher’s performance in the official evaluation system, known as the Observer Tab. Although the principal verbally acknowledged these positive aspects, they were not recorded, leaving the teacher’s professional record incomplete.

• Relevant Standards: Utah Administrative Code R277-530 requires that teacher evaluations be fair, accurate, and well-documented. The omission of positive feedback not only distorts the teacher’s professional record but also violates her right to a fair assessment of her abilities.

3. Coordinated Responses to Requests for Letters of Recommendation:

• Upon seeking letters of recommendation, the teacher received nearly identical responses from multiple colleagues, stating they could not provide a recommendation due to her resignation. This suggests a coordinated effort, potentially influenced by the principal, to undermine the teacher’s future employment opportunities.

• Relevant Standards: The Utah Code of Professional Ethics emphasizes the importance of honesty and integrity in all professional interactions. Any undue influence or coercion in the creation of these letters is unethical and may constitute a breach of professional conduct.

4. Constructive Dismissal:

• The teacher was placed under significant pressure by the principal, ultimately leading her to feel forced to resign. This situation is known as constructive dismissal, where an employee is compelled to resign due to intolerable working conditions.

• Relevant Standards: Utah Employment Law recognizes constructive dismissal when an employee resigns because the employer’s actions make continued employment unbearable. This could be grounds for legal action if proven.

Requests:

We respectfully request that the Box Elder School District take the following actions:

1. Formal Review: Conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding this teacher’s treatment and resignation. This should include a review of all relevant documentation and interviews with those involved.

2. Reconsideration of Resignation: Given the evidence suggesting that the resignation was not voluntary, we request that the teacher’s resignation be reconsidered. The teacher should be offered the opportunity to return to her position or receive appropriate compensation.

3. Correction of Professional Record: The teacher’s professional record should be amended to accurately reflect her performance, including the positive observations that were not documented. Any false or misleading information should be removed.

4. Accountability: If the investigation finds that unethical behavior or violations of district policy occurred, appropriate disciplinary action should be taken against those responsible.

5. Public Apology: The teacher’s reputation has been unjustly tarnished. We request a public apology from the district to help restore her professional standing and facilitate healing.

Conclusion:

This petition is not just about correcting a wrong; it is about upholding the values of fairness, transparency, and integrity that the Box Elder School District should stand for. We believe that by addressing these concerns, the district can restore trust and ensure that all educators are treated with the respect and fairness they deserve.

[Signatures]

References:

• Utah Administrative Code R277-515: Utah Administrative Code

• Utah Administrative Code R277-530: Utah Administrative Code

• Utah Employment Law on Constructive Dismissal: Utah Department of Workforce Services

• Observer Tab in Educator Evaluations: Utah State Board of Education

• Utah Code of Professional Ethics: Utah State Board of Education