News Alert: Letter to the Dover Community from Michael Tierney, Superintendent of Schools
June 10, 2015
Dear Members of the Dover Community:
I do not normally write you about our lobby efforts or try to persuade you to take action; however, in light of recent issues in legislation, I cannot remain silent.
You may be aware of the recent legislation called the Governor’s Transformation Act that was passed with the state budget in April.
The law links new flawed requirements to the teacher evaluation system called the APPR (Annual Professional Performance Review) putting an even bigger emphasis on testing. The regulations for this system will not be available until June 30th and state aid, as much as $500,000, will be withheld if our APPR is not completed and approved. This document has to be submitted by September 1, 2015 in order to be approved by November 15, 2015.
It is clear to me that we will not be able to negotiate, provide training, and develop an effective research-based system within this tight timeline.
We are requesting a delay in the Transformation Act to commence in November of 2016 so the regulations can be built with collaboration and research. We can provide training to all who it involves – both administrators and principals – and negotiate a sound evaluation plan.
Our Board of Education has signed and sent a letter (see attached link) to the Governor and the Board of Regents. Over the last five years, I have experienced too many rushed and ill-considered changes in state education policy. This is showing me that they are again not learning from past rushed implementations.
Please consider joining myself and the Board of Education in our efforts to stop this legislation. The petition can be found at: #GetItRightNY, or http://form.jotformpro.com/
Thank you for your consideration.
Respectfully,
Michael Tierney, Superintendent of Schools
