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Teachers' union urges limits on consecutive classes after schedule changes at five buildings
Summary
WTEA President Gail Marr told the board that five of six buildings will start new schedules in September and requested a sidebar agreement limiting teachers to no more than three consecutive classes out of four.
Gail Marr, president of the Wall Township Education Association, told the board the union is seeking a side agreement to address multiple schedule changes before the school year begins.
Marr said five of six district buildings are starting revised schedules in September. She described changes at the elementary level and a larger shift at the intermediate school, which she said will move from a 10-period day to a seven-period day. Marr said preparations have reduced prep times for some teachers ("1 and a half preps being changed to a prep in 16 minutes") and altered duty assignments across marking periods.
She asked the district to complete a sidebar before the school year starts that would include a clear statement that no teacher should be scheduled to teach more than three consecutive classes out of four, saying "No teacher should teach 4 in a row. That's 216 minutes without a break." Marr said the union wants the sidebar to ensure equitable distribution of duties and to protect teacher planning and wellness.
The board did not take formal action on the request during the meeting. Marr said the union seeks prompt resolution so the changes do not take effect without agreed protections.
The concern came during the public comment period and was presented as a request for district-staff negotiations rather than as a formal policy proposal.
