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BOURBON - The Triton Teachers Association has withdrawn the unfair labor practice complaint it filed Feb. 8, 2005.
The complaint centered on the board interpretation of contract language pertinent to the length of a teacher work day.
Kent Kimpel, Indiana State Teachers Association UniServ director, said in a press release, "The decision to withdraw the complaint is in no way an admission that the board of school trustees was correct in their application of contract language. The decision to withdraw the complaint is based upon a concern that an unfavorable ruling by the Indiana Education Employment Relations Board would lead to further unfair treatment of teachers by the school employer. This issue is far from resolved and may resurface at a future date."
Triton teacher Steve McBride, who also serves as president of the Triton Teachers Association, said in the same press release, "It is unfortunate that the teachers who chose to file the original grievance had their professionalism and integrity attacked by some individuals. These teachers are professionals that care deeply about their students and give much to the community and its children."
In a telephone interview Thursday afternoon, Triton Superintendent Ted Chittum said, "I know that the board is pleased the union agreed to withdraw" the complaint. The board felt, and still feels, they are correct in their interpretation of the contract language. The issue was never about how hard the employees work nor their integrity. The board acknowledges the hard work put in by all of Triton's employees.
