Good teachers can’t easily be replaced. They are the best assistance parents have in helping shape their kids, not only inside the classroom but outside as well. Because of this, we understand the angst among some Oak Park and River Forest High School families when some of their favorite teachers were notified they would be let go this spring. It’s an annual and complicated practice conducted by schools across the state as they prep for next year’s class schedule. Some part-time and non-tenured teachers receive a Reduction In Force notice — the dreaded RIF that predicts a dismissal. Some teachers are eventually hired back. Some are not.
This spring’s dismissals at OPRF, unlike previous years, have upset a vocal group of parents and students. They’ve called and written the school board (and us). Students have set up a website, Facebook page and Twitter account to voice their concerns.
They want OPRF to reconsider the dismissals. They accuse the high school board and administration of making this move for budget reasons, perhaps even philosophical reasons. OPRF’s superintendent and human resources director insist that this gives them the flexibility to make sure the school’s workforce is in synch with the number of classes students sign up for in the upcoming year. We have no concrete reason to doubt that claim, nor reason to believe that the school is up to something nefarious in letting go this particular batch of roughly 20 faculty.
The high school this evening, April 11 is hosting a special meeting to allow public comments on this spring’s dismissal notices. Anyone who is still concerned should attend. For those who have already spoken out, the school has heard you. Those teachers who received the dreaded RIF have also heard you. They surely know that you respect, value and honor their work. The remaining faculty has likely been listening as well.
We need to retain good teachers and OPRF has plenty. We hope they’re all still teaching here next year.