QACEA again rallies against proposed layoffs

CENTREVILLE — Protesting against proposed employee layoffs and advocating for an inspector general’s audit of the Queen Anne’s County Board of Education, members and supporters of the Queen Anne’s County Education Association publicly rallied for the second time in just over two weeks in front of the BOE building Sept. 4.

The Association previously held a rally during the board’s closed executive session protesting against the proposed Reduction In Force of support staff and seeking budget transparency.

“Instead of punishing and laying off essential staff who work directly with our students, which will harm students and the community, why hasn’t QACPS invited us educators to discuss ways to deal with budget challenges?” said Cecilia Mitchell, QACEA president. “We demand to know the county’s fiscal situation. We have the first-hand experience of what and who are needed in the schools to make a safe and supportive learning environment for all students. We can’t help if you won’t talk to us.”

According to the QACEA, School Superintendent Patricia Saelens’ “lack of transparency and cooperation blindsided educators last month, with unexpected plans to lay off only QACPS support staff and no upper administrators or certificated teachers.” In addition to the layoffs, educators left behind were asked to accept five unpaid furlough days with no justification, Mitchell said.

Association members requested transparency about the school system’s finances and why the Board of County of Commissioners were not given an opportunity to fill any budget gaps QACPS might have, according to Mitchell.

The issue remains at an impasse.

“Too little information has been shared to justify these draconian choices,” Mitchell said. “Why should school support staff and classroom teachers make all the sacrifices?”

On Sept. 3, the Maryland State Education Association on behalf of the Queen Anne’s association formally requested an audit of the fiscal affairs of the QA Board of Education by the Inspector General for Education.