Urge Education Committee to oppose teacher-transfer bill

A bill that limits a district’s ability to transfer teachers is being heard in the Education Committee on Feb. 18, and we need you to reach out to legislators on that committee and tell them why the proposal needs to be defeated.

L.D. 1857, An Act To Protect Teachers from Punitive or Retaliatory Transfers, would limit the School Board’s ability to transfer teachers to meet the needs of students.

Click here for a list of Education Committee members and their contact information.

This bill implies that transfers are largely done for punitive or retaliatory reasons, which is not the case.

The bill states: A school administrative unit may not transfer a teacher to another location or teaching assignment for a punitive or retaliatory reason unless the teacher consents to the transfer. A teacher who has been involuntarily transferred and believes the transfer is for a punitive or retaliatory reason may request a hearing with the school board. The school board shall hold a hearing within 15 days of the receipt of the teacher's request. If the teacher demonstrates that the transfer was for a punitive or retaliatory reason, the school board must reverse the transfer.

Please let the committee members know how L.D. 1857 would affect your district and why it is not in the best interest of students.

School districts try and accommodate teacher requests for transfers. In a survey done by our association, most schools reported no involuntary transfers. In one district, there were 14 transfers, but those were due to a school closing and budget cuts.

If a teacher feels they were wrongfully moved for disciplinary reasons, that action may be grieved under the discipline clause of the contract. Employees who feel that a transfer was “retaliatory” can file complaints under affirmative action procedures or with the Human Rights Commission.

L.D. 1857 is a first-step attempt to erode education policy. It is not good for students, staff, parents or taxpayers and should be defeated.