A group of teachers, coaches, and transportation department employees from the Pine Bluff School District met at the Pine Bluff Convention Center Wednesday night to share several grievances with Loranzo Andrews, the Zone 2 UniServ Director for the Arkansas Education Association.
In a meeting that lasted nearly an hour and a half Andrews heard grievances ranging from payroll issues and low pay across the board in the district, safety matters with teachers believing there is not enough security within the district, bad communication from school administration, concerns with the district attendance incentive package, and more.
Andrews spoke with Deltaplex News to discuss his role in regards to assisting the teachers and other district employees.
One issue that came up was the discussion of the 2022-23 calendar year for the district. Several teachers in attendance stated they voted in favor of a 4-day school week.
A district representative acknowledged that 80% of all teachers voted in favor of a 4-day school week. However, it was stated that Superintended Barbara Warren had the final say. It was said that Warren decided against the 4-day school week, so a 5-day school week will be utilized by the district.
Accusations of bad communication from district administration was brought up numerous times in the meeting, which one of the bigger issues of concern being the alleged lack of communication regarding district changes for the 2022-23 school year.
A district representative answered questions pertaining to building use in the next school year, stating that sixth grade will go back into the same buildings as grades K-5 next year, while 7th and 8th grades will attend school at the Robert F. Morehead building. Junior high students (9th grade) would move to the old Dollarway High School and High School students will attend school at Jack Robey.
Concern was raised regarding the abandonment of the current Pine Bluff High School with the indoor facility for athletics and the high school football field still being on that campus and having to be used. Concern was also raised regarding potential break ins to the empty buildings on the campus, which could potentially lead to dangerous situations and scattered debris on the campus when sporting events are hosted there.
Some teachers expressed concern regarding what they called a lack of proper security. They claimed that students are assaulting teachers in their classrooms with little to no action being taken by school administration. One teacher stated he believes he is spending his money to be disrespected and assaulted on the campus, while another teacher stated he has “gone viral” twice due to being attacked by students with the attacks being captured on cell phone video and shared to social media.
While addressing the concerns and serious accusations against district administration Andrews encouraged the teachers to band together in order to work to make sure policy has not been violated, and in order to have more standing with the district brass.
Before the meeting ended district representatives told the teachers and other employees that they will begin working to improve communication, while several teachers in attendance stated they will continue to press the district to ensure policy is being followed.
At one point in the meeting the teacher walk outside in the Little Rock School District we’re mentioned, with some teachers stating they should take a vote to walk out in order to get the districts attention.
”They can’t fire us all if we all walk out together,” said one educator.
A district representative stated in the meeting that Superintendent Barbara Warren was originally scheduled to attend the meeting, but was unable to make it.
