NEWPORT, R.I. (WPRI) — Class is back in session for Newport students, but some teachers are frustrated about recent staffing changes implemented by Superintendent Colleen Jermain.

On Tuesday, the Teachers Association of Newport (TAN) held an informational picket outside Claiborne Pell Elementary School, calling on management to adhere to the contract after Jermain reassigned approximately 45 positions at the end of last year. These changes included removing reading and math specialists from their roles to fill classroom vacancies.

Alex Lucini, a representative for the National Education Association of Rhode Island (NEARI), told 12 News that these changes violate teachers’ contracts and state labor laws — and students will suffer as a result.

“Superintendent Colleen Jermain unilaterally changed the working parameters for dozens of our teachers,” Lucini said, emphasizing that the changes are not in students’ best interest.

Lucini noted that many teachers were reassigned to unfamiliar curriculums and grade levels due to Jermain’s involuntary transfers.

“The superintendent is claiming reorganization. But really what she means is there have been job cuts,” he said. “And those are positions that really work with the students that need the most amount of support.”

Over the summer, the union addressed four grievances and four unfair labor practice charges related to contract violations and labor law infringements.

However, Lucini said mediation efforts thus far have been unsuccessful.

“We feel that an arbitrator or the labor relations board doesn’t know Newport students in the same way that we do,” Lucini said. “But right now, Colleen Jermain has dug her heels in and no progress has been made.”

Last Wednesday, teachers picketed outside a city council meeting, where TAN President Jennifer Hole urged councilmembers to intervene.

“[Jermain] and her administration are setting up the students, families, and teachers of Newport for absolute failure,” Hole said during the meeting.

“We are the ones with our boots on the ground in those classrooms every day with the children we love,” she added. “The people who are decision-makers are not listening to us.”

In addition to picketing, TAN has adopted a “work-to-rule” strategy, meaning teachers will only perform duties explicitly outlined in their existing contracts.

Jermain released a statement to Target 12 on Tuesday night, saying:

“At this time we are still in discussions. We are hopeful this can be resolved. We met today with our attorney and the mediator. If TAN does not accept our final offer I believe it is okay to agree to disagree and let a third party help settle this. I know all of us want to do what is best for our students and the community. School starts tomorrow for our children and families. We look forward to a great school year.”

Jermain also noted that “working to rule” means teachers will enter and leave the building during their contracted hours, fulfilling their duties by “implementing good teaching” and a “rigorous curriculum.”

Neither the superintendent nor the mayor were available for comment on Wednesday. 12 News reached out to the school committee but did not receive a response.

Thanks for signing up!

Watch for us in your inbox.

Subscribe Now

Daily Roundup

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WPRI.com.