Abandonment of Contract Recommendations From Task Force Bootstrap October 20, 2016

Why is this a problem? Teachers say contracts are unfair School systems control the language, can reduce days, change assignments, and add liquidated damages Teachers are forced to sign contracts earlier and earlier Georgia is experiencing a shortage of teachers

Why is this a problem? Administrators say contracts are not fair because teachers sign and break contracts School system saved the position and now is trying to find replacement at the last minute One metro area school system lost 600 teachers after June 1 Kids are the ones who suffer because often times, the position is not filled

Recommendations Eliminate Standard 8 and incorporate wording in Standard 10 to capture breach of contract Use phrase “Breach of Contract” instead of “Abandonment” Emphasize “Breach of Contract” could be done by school system as well as Educator Continue current interpretation of “PSC” will not sanction certificate if resignation submitted prior to June 1

Recommendations After June 1, PSC will not sanction certificate for the following reasons: Transfer of Spouse that requires unreasonable commute Illness in the family which requires educator to care for family member Promotion in the field of education that meets the following criteria: increase in job responsibility, increase in prestige, and an appropriate and reasonable increase in salary

Recommendations Payment of Liquidated damages by educator is not considered a release from contract School Systems are encouraged to work with educators for a smooth transition Educators are expected to honor their contracts Breach of Contract is defined as “not being released from contract and not meeting the criteria” established by the PSC

Process Presented draft to Commission in October Ethics Staff and Executive Staff will review, edit, and wordsmith to put in appropriate format for our rule making Attorneys and Professional Organizations will provide input Presentations will be made to get feedback from the field Bring to Commissioners in January/February as a recommendation