Sumter
The SCEA Members in Sumter Prevail!
Sumter teachers learned today what it truly means to belong to The SCEA and have a real voice! And for their efforts, they walked away with a salary increase!
The teachers and students of Sumter County all experienced a victory today. What a day! Students at Sumter High School made and distributed posters supporting their teachers. The school administration then made the students take the posters down. Blake Ward, a Sumter High School student attended the State Board meeting and spoke in support of his teachers. One Sumter teacher pointed out, in a written statement, that although she now has three years of experience in Sumter County Schools she is still on step 0 of the teachers’ salary schedule. At least two Sumter teachers were denied personal leave and were unable to be present at the State Board meeting. Tammi Soles, Nicole Williams, and Elaine Miller all parents spoke passionately in support of the Sumter teachers and students.
Paula Woodlief, President of the Sumter Schools Education Association gave a remarkable presentation calling on the State Board to deny the waiver request. Once the Sumter Waiver request was open for Board consideration, the Board then spent about one hour drilling Sumter Superintendent Bynum and CFO, Steve Mann. It was obvious that Board members had their facts and that they had received many calls, emails and contacts from Sumter parents, teachers and others.
　
Sumter County Schools and SWEET 16
Members in Sumter County alerted The SCEA to concerns related to the district's use of "SWEET 16", a district evaluation system. The SCEA subsequently met with members and followed up with a presentation to the school board.
Follow these links to track this issue and The SCEA's work on the behalf of members in Sumter County.
President Hick's presentation to the school board on January 23, 2012
The superintendents response to President Hicks on January 25, 2012
President Hicks' response to the superintendent on January 26, 2012
Don't miss this! Click here to read about the January 31 summit on SWEET 16
