CENTRAL FALLS, R.I. | A school district that gained the support of President Obama for promoting accountability after it fired all its teachers from a struggling school announced Sunday it had reached an agreement with the union to return all the current staff members to their jobs.
The two sides said a so-called transformation plan for Central Falls High School for the coming school year would allow the 87 teachers, guidance counselors, librarians and other staffers who were to lose their jobs at the end of this year to return without having to reapply.
More than 700 people had already applied for the positions.
The agreement also imposes a longer school day, more after-school tutoring and other changes.
The board of trustees overseeing the school system in Central Falls, one of the poorest communities in the state, voted in February to fire the staff of one of the state’s worst-performing schools.
“Both the school district and the union agree that, while this has been a difficult process for everyone involved, the negotiations resulted in a newfound appreciation for shared responsibility, and a solid commitment to bring lasting solutions that will improve teaching and learning at Central Falls High School,” said a joint statement from the union and the district.
The agreement is pending ratification.
Under the deal, teachers must recommit to their jobs and interview with the new principal. Other changes aimed at increasing student achievement include: a new evaluation system designed to inform teaching and learning, and targeted and embedded professional development.
Details of the agreement are to be released after a ratification vote by Central Falls teachers at a meeting Monday.
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