COLUMBUS, Ind. — A policy limiting how Bartholomew Consolidated School Corp. teachers and staff members may directly discuss work concerns with school board members is being re-evaluated by the board.
During a strategic planning session Friday, board members and administrators focused on Section C of Policy 3112 because it has created concern among educators, administrators and school board members.
The policy states that private conversations between staff and school board members on confidential subjects such as personal grievances and problems, student due process, contract negotiations and litigation is considered unethical conduct.
The words “unethical conduct” in the final sentence has created the most concern among teachers and staff, school board member James Persinger said. The wording makes them fear they will lose their jobs if they say anything to a member of the board, he said.
Instead of “unethical conduct,” Persinger suggested the verbiage be changed to state those discussions of confidential subjects between staff and school board members “should be avoided.”
For more on this story, see Sunday’s Republic.
