Teachers threaten suit over contract with Edison

Terry Webster

Tuesday, April 3, 2001 | 10:56 a.m.

Union leaders for public school teachers and administrators are threatening legal action over the proposed contract with Edison Schools.

Union members are concerned about longer workdays and Edison's plans to convert its proposed schools from 12-month to nine-month calendars. The move would mean a pay cut for employees now in 12-month schools.

"We are already consulting with a labor law attorney," Robert Mancuso, president of the support employees union, said.

Following a Monday School Board meeting, Superintendent Carlos Garcia said teachers and other employees will be covered under the existing contract.

Edison, the nation's largest for-profit manager of public schools, wants to run seven Southern Nevada schools, bringing in its own curriculum and technology.

The School Board delayed making a final decision on Monday until remaining issues with Edison's contract are ironed out.

The board's final vote on Edison is expected to come during a special meeting at 4 p.m. Friday at the Education Center, 2832 E. Flamingo Road.

At issue for the Clark County Education Association, Clark County Association of School Administrators and the Education Support Employees Association is the district's plan to clear out the seven schools' staff members and start from scratch.

Staffers at the proposed Edison schools are being asked to re-apply for their jobs. Those who are not accepted will be transferred to other schools within the district.

Union leaders said they are trying to negotiate provisions that cover Edison's program.

John Jasonek, executive director of the teacher's union and Allin Chandler, executive director of the administrators union, concurred that the district's actions are raising legal questions.

Garcia said he is confident everything will be upheld legally.

"I think you're making a mistake," Jasonek told Garcia.

But principals of the schools selected for Edison, stressed that they want the program at their schools -- and it is needed.

"I'm here because 46 percent of my fourth graders can't read," said Jean Jackson, principal of Cahlan Elementary. "I can't accept the fact that they can't read."

Other principals agreed that the district has not fully addressed the needs of students at the schools and that a new approach is needed.

Another issue comes down to dollars.

The district is estimating it will cost around $9 million in overhead costs to run the program at the seven schools: Ronnow, Cahlan, Lincoln, Park, Crestwood and Lynch elementary schools and West Middle School.

"We can't afford it," said Walt Rulffes, the district's chief financial officer.

Part of continuing negotiations with Edison will center on the district's request that Edison pay for overhead costs like transportation and utilities.

Chris Whittle, Edison's chief executive officer, said Monday that he has secured the needed $10 million in donations to start up the schools.

"Not one dollar came from Las Vegas," he told the School Board.

Whittle said he and Benno Schmidt, Edison's chairman of the board of directors, each chipped in $1.5 million for the cause. Edison will spend about $30,000 to $50,000 per classroom in Clark County, Whittle said.