In a recent grievance hearing held by the Judson Independent School District, teacher Miss Constantino raised concerns regarding her teaching workload, specifically the number of preps she is required to manage. During the meeting, it was revealed that Miss Constantino is currently handling six different subjects, which she argues is adversely affecting her health and overall work environment. She expressed that the increased workload feels more like a personal attack rather than a professional challenge.

The administration, represented by Superintendent Dr. Rob Field and Deputy Superintendent Dr. Mary Duhart Toppin, addressed the grievance, noting that Miss Constantino's request to reduce her teaching preps from six to five had been acknowledged and granted at a previous level of the grievance process. However, she continues to face a six-prep workload, prompting her appeal to the board.

Dr. Toppin explained that Miss Constantino's teaching schedule was adjusted to align with her certifications, which include theater, art, journalism, and commercial photography. The need for a theater arts teacher due to an unexpected vacancy led to the current scheduling challenges. The administration proposed a schedule that would meet student needs while also considering the impact on graduation plans.

Miss Constantino also requested that her photography and newspaper classes be separated, a move that the administration indicated would significantly disrupt the master schedule and affect nearly 100 students. Despite attempts to find a compromise, including a proposed change to her conference period and the introduction of a long-term substitute for advanced theater classes, Miss Constantino ultimately decided to proceed with her formal grievance, stating that the proposed solutions did not adequately address her concerns.

The hearing highlighted the complexities of balancing teacher workloads with student needs, as well as the administrative challenges in accommodating individual requests within the broader educational framework. The board will continue to review the situation as they seek a resolution that supports both the teacher's well-being and the educational requirements of the students.