Bullying, staff turnover among concerns by Highlands teachers to be presented to school board

The Highlands School Board will hear Monday night from the teachers union about concerns throughout the district, including bullying and turnover rate for staff.

The Highlands Education Association plans to make a presentation during the board’s regular meeting at 7 p.m.

It will be in person in the high school library and also available on Zoom.

The Highlands Education Association conducted listening tours over the 2022-23 school year to collect feedback from members in every building on priority issues, said Annie Briscoe, western region advocacy coordinator for the Pennsylvania State Education Association.

The PSEA represents more than 187,000 teachers, counselors, curriculum specialists, librarians, school nurses and others on issues regarding labor, policy and professional interests.

“Findings will be presented in an effort to improve morale and foster a culture of collaboration,” Briscoe said.

“HEA hopes to work with the school district administration and school board leadership toward solutions to the main issues impacting the district.”

HEA President Rachel Crowell was not immediately available for comment.

Superintendent Monique Mawhinney was surprised to learn about the presentation. She received an email last week from the union.

“In the HEA contract, there is language that concerns should be addressed through the District Working Committee that consists of teachers, administrators and at least one board member, but the HEA leadership team did not choose to use this process,” Mawhinney said.

According to Briscoe, some of the identified concerns by staff include “low morale and a lack of respect toward educators leading to a high turnover rate.”

Other issues are an inadequate approach to class coverage when teachers are out and the need to expand special education and intervention services for students, Briscoe said.

The HEA represents more than 160 educators in the district.

Briscoe said the HEA would like the staffing shortage to be addressed. Findings from the HEA survey showed that union members realize the district is not immune to the impact of the decline in certified teachers across the state. However, the current system of combining classes places students at a disadvantage, according to Briscoe.

Also included in the HEA summary is information on teacher turnover, bullying and behavioral issues, as well as intervention resources.

“This is the first time that they are bringing it to the attention of the full board,” Briscoe said. “This is an attempt to raise awareness from their end to be transparent about what our members consider to be concerning and how to best seek solutions.”