Schools roundup

6 Comments

  • What to do about Internet lynch mobs as in the Tim Hunt case? Usually we condemn “doxxing,” but in this case it might be a just and suitable deterrant. With the exception of signed complaints making specific allegations that can be investigated under rules for libel and perjury, require bosses to disclose all correspondence, especially electronic, seeking the dismissal of an employee, to said employee. Require law enforcement and Internet companies to cooperate with said employee in discovering and publishing the actual identity of each message’s sender.
    This idea would have to be fine-tuned to distinguish between witch hysteria and bona- fide complaints about shoddy service.

  • New Jersey arbitrator’s ruling: “Teacher Who Was Late to Work 111 Times in 2 Years Will Keep His Job.
    Meanwhile union hammers out details on tough new 150 strikes rule for tardiness.

    This has got to be pissing off his co-workers and principal. Somebody has got to be babysitting the munchkins, and when he’s late, then someone else gets to sit in his classroom.

    • I think the problem in that case was that they didn’t give him an official warning. 111 times is plenty to get someone fired, but apparently you have to actually tell the person to show up on time first.

  • “Washington Supreme Court flexes muscle on school finance case”

    The leges should just defund the supreme court and add the money to schools funds.

    Tit for Tat always plays well on Drudge & MSNBC.

  • How can the Washington State Supreme Court fine the state of Washington? The money is apparently being put into a fund “for the benefit of basic education”, but isn’t that the court basically taking the power of the purse away from the legislature? Isn’t that even MORE unconstitutional?

    Their court is citing this line of the state constitution:

    “It is the paramount duty of the state to make ample provision for the education of all children residing within its borders, without distinction or preference on account of race, color, caste, or sex.”

    And from there, they substitute their own judgment for the legislature’s on whether the current budget provides “ample” enough provision. The court apparently is mandating, among other things, that all-day kindergarten be provided and that teacher salaries be raised.

    Are the kids getting an education? Yes? Then the courts should butt out. It’s not their call.

  • On the other hand, if you are late 110 times and nothing happens, do you not have some sort of expectation that the 111th time will not result in firing? This is especially true if you are entitled to due process (as public employees are (whether they should be is debatable)).