October 28, 2005

To: Members, Board of Education

From: Philip Rumore, President

RE: Violation of Board of Education Resolution

The District is not providing Art, Music, and Physical Education taught by a specialist in all schools. Not only is the District not complying with our contract but it is also ignoring the resolution passed (unanimously, I believe) by the Board relating to the restoration of Art, Music, and Physical Education in our elementary grades (enclosed).

We have, of course, grieved this. However, as you can see, the District is attempting to side step our contract that, as you know, under law continues in effect until a new one is negotiated. Teachers have unfortunately come to expect violations of our contract, however, not violations of Board actions.

One of our elementary teachers' highest priorities and one which we know was shared by Jack Coyle and the Board members who supported his resolution was the restoration of Art, Music, and Physical Education taught by Art, Music, and Physical Education teachers. Indeed, this was a major issue in our strike in 2000. Teachers felt that strongly about their restoration.

Thank you in advance for your attention to this issue.

Enclosed