Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Human Resources topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Hobbs Middle teachers raise concerns about involuntary separations and transfer policy
Summary
Two Hobbs Middle School teachers told the board during public comment they were not renewed and say district transfer policy and communication left them without explanation; the superintendent asked them to meet with assistant superintendent for HR for follow-up.
Two Hobbs Middle School educators told the Santa Rosa County School Board on May 7 that they were not recommended for rehire or transfer and urged the board to review transfer procedures and communication with military spouse employees.
Julie Jones, who introduced herself as an educator at Hobbs Middle School, said she was told by her principal that she would be required to sign an involuntary separation form and was given no substantive explanation. "When I respectfully asked for a reason and some clarification for the reasons I would be unable to, I was told, 'it is what it is,'" Jones said, calling that response "confusing and disheartening." She asked the board to review policy C6.2 (transfer procedures) to ensure fair treatment and clearer communication for teachers seeking transfers.
Erin Rogers, also a Hobbs Middle educator and a military spouse, described strong classroom evaluations and test‑score gains and said she was told on April 10 that her contract would not be renewed despite prior assurances and responsibilities she had performed. "With my qualifications and my FAST test data, I don't understand why I'm not being asked back," Rogers said, and asked the board to clarify how transfer eligibility is determined.
Superintendent Barber and staff asked the teachers to meet with Liz West, assistant superintendent for human resources, to review their situations and the applicable procedures. During the meeting the superintendent said he would ask staff to follow up directly: board staff told the speakers to speak with West after public comment to seek clarification and next steps.
Why it matters: Commenters raised concerns about transparency in transfer and involuntary separation processes, potential impacts on military spouses who face relocation, and whether district practice aligns with policy language. The teachers requested that transfer eligibility be based on performance and qualifications rather than whether a position happens to exist at the current campus.
Board members and staff acknowledged the concerns and directed district HR staff to follow up with the speakers; no board action was taken at the meeting to change policy.
