McLane students say their teachers are being unfairly let go. They’re gathering in protest, hoping to save their teachers jobs.
Students at McLane High School stood on campus shouting. “We're saying save our teachers, save McLean. We’re fighting for the teachers who should be staying here,” says McLane Senior LaDonna Bowen.
80 students gathered, holding signs it was a peaceful protest. But we barely caught a glimpse; our cameras were not allowed on campus. Instead, the shouts came from a smart phone; a student caught the filmed the first protest.
But the Monday’s protest didn’t fully escape our cameras; the students gave us a glimpse before they were asked to move on.
The students are protesting the loss of 13 teachers. “I have spoken with a few teachers that say ‘it should be this teacher not this teacher,’” says LaDonna. McLane Senior Jesse Boriboun agrees saying, “we're losing the greatest teachers for teachers that have only been here a year.”
The students are referring to teachers that have been employed for a year but have been offered additional positions. “Head varsity coaches, obviously, they remain on campus or anyone teaching specialty courses like AP,” says Steve Martinez with the Fresno Unified School District.
For those who have not taught for two or more years, been a coach or are AP teachers, Fresno Unified says their future is based off seniority and student enrollment.
There are 13 teachers who have been placed on overage, seven are permanent teachers who will be moved to another school in the district; the district say the other six will be let go unless student enrollment increases.
“We want the students to know no programs will be cut; all of the courses offered this year will be here next year. We are doing everything we can to ensure we have the best teachers at McLane and in the district,” says Martinez.
“We'll continue marching until the point gets out to the school district and McLean gives us answers,” says Boriboun.
Christina Lusby Reporting.
TXT 24
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