Teachers concerned over placement delay

KANSAS CITY, Missouri - In less than four weeks, Kansas City public schools open. Classes resume. However, for middle and high school teachers, one in five has no idea where they will be teaching.

“As of four o’clock (Wednesday afternoon), we have assigned 1141 teachers,” said Dr. John Covington, superintendent for the Kansas City Public School District.

Dr. Covington’s assignments fall short of teacher expectations. Union officials said his “right-sizing” consolidation plan, which closed half the district’s schools, is creating confusion and anxiety for teachers.

“This has just been awful,” said Andrea Flinders, president of the teacher’s union. “Dr. Covington promised that (the teachers) would know (their teaching assignment) June fourth. We’re now looking at the end of July. Teachers just want to know where they’re going to be.”

In front of school board members Wednesday night, Dr. Covington explained why the process is moving slower than expected.

“Teachers are slotted for most vacancies (at secondary schools), but assignment letters have been held pending completion of each school’s staffing rosters as principals are continuing to interview the remaining unassigned teachers,” Dr. Covington said.

However, even in elementary schools where the district has hired 99% of the required teachers, union officials found problems.

“There are still mistakes and we’re going back making sure those are corrected,” Flinders said.

Exactly how long it takes to correct mistakes and complete all teacher placements remains to be seen. Dr. Covington did not give a new deadline during the meeting.

Still, union officials want answers by Friday.