Teachers, staff and residents criticize board’s prior resolution banning collective bargaining

Several educators and residents used the Manassas City Public Schools board meeting public-comment period to criticize a board resolution they said banned collective bargaining and to question the division’s handling of the issue.

The most pointed comments came from a public commenter who identified herself as “the proud president of the MEA Education Association.” She told the board, “We did not ask you for anything. We did not demand contracts,” and added that the board’s action amounted to an attempt to “silence us.”

Why it matters: Speakers said the board spent $6,572 to draft the April resolution and that the resolution was adopted without what they described as adequate consultation with affected staff. Several teachers and a school counselor said the move undermined trust between staff and the board and asked for clearer public access to work sessions and more direct communication with educators.

Details and context

Tammy DeHaven, a Manassas City employee and resident, told the board:…