Appellate Court Case Significantly Impacts The Classification And Release Of Categorical Employees

From KMTG's most recent education Legal Alert:

In Stockton Teachers Association v. Stockton Unified School District (--- Cal.Rptr.3d ----, Cal.App. 3 Dist., March 1, 2012), the third district court of appeal addressed whether categorically funded employees hired pursuant to Education Code section 44909 may be treated as temporary employees or whether they must be classified as probationary employees.  The court determined that except in very limited circumstances employees must be treated as probationary employees and may only be released as temporary employees if they are terminated at the expiration of a categorically funded program.

In light of this decision, districts are urged to review their classification of categorical employees immediately and to discuss the impact of this case with legal counsel.  If a district’s classification of temporary employees does not meet the standards described in the Stockton Teachers’ Association case, it may be necessary to take action, such as potential status changes and non reelections or layoff notices for categorical employees converted to probationary status.  This is especially important for any districts or county offices that have issued or are considering issuing notices of layoff to certificated employees before March 15th this year.

For more in depth discussion of this case and it's implications, read the full text of KMTG's Legal Alert.

Meghan Covert Russell

Happy Read Across America Day!

"The more that you read, the more things you will know.  The more that you learn, the more places that you'll go." ~ Dr. Suess, I Can Read with My Eyes Shut!

Today, March 2, is Read Across America Day!  The annual celebration, intended to motivate students to read, marks the birthday of beloved children's author, Dr. Suess.

What does your school do to celebrate Read Across America Day? How do you motivate students to read all year long?

For more information, visit the National Educational Association's website.

Meghan Covert Russell