Cairo Association of Teachers - Newsletter

CAT Tracks for June 13, 2007 JAMES GIBSON ARBITRATION

The wheels of justice turn ever so slowly...

As was common knowledge at CJSHS, James Gibson experienced a very unpleasant 2005-06 school year. (To his credit, James never let his personal/personnel problems interfere with his professionalism around students and staff.)

James was hired as "Crisis Classroom Supervisor" at the May 19, 2005, school board meeting, signed an employment offer the following day as "Crisis Classroom Teacher", and heard nothing else for almost three months. James was next seen at the week-long (Alliance for Achievement-AFA) certified staff workshop that preceded the 2005-06 school year, where he was introduced as a new employee...the "Crisis Classroom Teacher" at CJSHS. James participated, earned his CPDUs, and was paid for the workshop...no questions asked.

And then things went bad...

On the first day of the new school year (August 15, 2005), James inquired about his placement level on the teacher salary schedule - i.e. how much would he be paid? The answer was vague and evasive. Over the next few months, James would at various times be called "Crisis Classroom Supervisor", "Crisis Classroom Monitor", "Teacher Aide", and "Crisis Classroom/Detention Monitor"...everything but "Crisis Classroom Teacher" - the title appearing on his original contract signed on May 20, 2005.

Needless to say, James challenged this shifting designation. He did this personally through various legal channels (Unfair Labor Practice Charges, EEOC Complaints, etc.) The Cairo Association of Teachers-IEA-NEA also became involved, filing a grievance on his behalf on October 7, 2005.

Today - June 13, 2007 - James Gibson finally had his "day in court". An arbitration hearing was held from 8 a.m. to approximately 2 p.m. at the District's Central Office. The attorneys for each side will be given a designated time to file briefs, which will then be reviewed by the arbitrator. The arbitrator will finally hand down a decision that is binding on both parties.

You might ask..."How did it go? Can you give us some juicy details?" Sorry...you'll just have to be patient. Actually, even if I wanted to oblige you...I couldn't. Except for the 30 minutes that I was on the witness stand, I spent the remaining time on the outside...sitting in the office...waiting.

I was not present when the timeline was set for the arbitrator's decision...and forgot to ask. I would guess a couple of months. Again, the wheels of justice turn ever so slowly...

But...after a couple of YEARS, James and the Association are happy to have had the opportunity to present what we felt all along was a strong case for his being recognized as a teacher. It has been a struggle that only James and others who have been through such an ordeal can truly appreciate. Hopefully, justice will soon be served.

If you happen to see James, wish him well. He has remained strong and has been able to "keep the faith"...in more ways than one!

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