Sabbatical leave process is in jeopardy
Faculty to challenge board decision on sabbaticals
Salomon Baeza
Issue date: 5/15/09 Section: News
However not all sabbaticals require research expeditions but can also be smaller in their scope an example of which is the investigation of the use of training mannequins for the Nursing program. Other projects can consist of the developing of new courses, programs or the expanding of techniques and technologies.
The current issue however lies with an attempt by District officials to alter an existing sabbatical practice in a contract between faculty and school administration. Currently, specific terms in the contract govern policy ranging from the minor to larger policies like those concerning faculty sabbaticals and units per term, 15 for every instructor.
However not all policies and practices are clearly stated by the contract these practices when used in the past are grandfathered in as a "past practice." One such practice in regards to sabbaticals allows faculty members while to teach up to 6 units per term while on sabbatical.
Changes to this particular practice, and other "past practices," cannot be made without negotiations by both parties involved and is in fact a legal ruling by the Public Employee Relations Board. Despite this the District has chosen to move forward with changing the practice to prohibit faculty from teaching more than a single class.
An upsetting turn of events for faculty members who feel that resources should be held for more important situations when the matter at hand could easily be solved during negotiations for the 2010-2013 contract.
However no halting of the decision has yet to be made on the part of the administration despite talks between The Faculty Association two vice-presidents and Rio Hondo College President Dr. Ted Martinez, Jr.
Preventative measures have begun by the Faculty Association in the form of an Unfair Labor Practice suit. According to Professor Wetsman the association is confident in their suit as "the law and the facts are clearly on our side." He continues, "we have proposed a quite viable and workable solution to the problem, but the District has, up to this point, been unwilling to compromise."
The current issue however lies with an attempt by District officials to alter an existing sabbatical practice in a contract between faculty and school administration. Currently, specific terms in the contract govern policy ranging from the minor to larger policies like those concerning faculty sabbaticals and units per term, 15 for every instructor.
However not all policies and practices are clearly stated by the contract these practices when used in the past are grandfathered in as a "past practice." One such practice in regards to sabbaticals allows faculty members while to teach up to 6 units per term while on sabbatical.
Changes to this particular practice, and other "past practices," cannot be made without negotiations by both parties involved and is in fact a legal ruling by the Public Employee Relations Board. Despite this the District has chosen to move forward with changing the practice to prohibit faculty from teaching more than a single class.
An upsetting turn of events for faculty members who feel that resources should be held for more important situations when the matter at hand could easily be solved during negotiations for the 2010-2013 contract.
However no halting of the decision has yet to be made on the part of the administration despite talks between The Faculty Association two vice-presidents and Rio Hondo College President Dr. Ted Martinez, Jr.
Preventative measures have begun by the Faculty Association in the form of an Unfair Labor Practice suit. According to Professor Wetsman the association is confident in their suit as "the law and the facts are clearly on our side." He continues, "we have proposed a quite viable and workable solution to the problem, but the District has, up to this point, been unwilling to compromise."
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David "Dave" Siegris
David Siegrist
posted 8/09/09 @ 12:28 AM PST
Sabbaticals have always been a very productive benefit to the students. The professor comes back from the sabbatical refreshed, renewed, and updated in his/her
field of expertise. (Continued…)
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