Teacher evaluation talks in Hamburg dissolve
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HAMBURG, N.Y. — Teacher evaluation talks between the Hamburg School District and its teachers union fell apart Tuesday after union leaders say the district used inappropriate tactics.
The Hamburg Teachers Association said a deal was close Tuesday before it became aware of the tactics.
Union officials say a district administrator told several teachers they could be fired if they didn't vote in favor of a teacher evaluation document. The teachers felt they were being threatened.
The union previously voted down a district proposal last week.
"This is not something that we did. This is something that they did. I want to be real clear of that. This is on the district's shoulders. We were on the brink of coming up with an agreement and then this happened," said John Mrozek, president, Hamburg Teachers Association.
No further talks are scheduled.
Failure to have a plan in place by Thursday could lead to the district losing about $450,000 in state funding.
Calls to the Superintendent's office have not been returned.