Amherst-Pelham Education Association Backs No-Confidence Vote In State Education Commissioner Jeffrey Riley
Source: Amherst Pelham Education Association
Editor’s Note: The following is a press release submitted to the Amherst Indy on Dec. 15 by the Amherst-Pelham Education Association, which represents teachers, paraprofessionals and clerks in the district’s public schools.
After careful consideration and lengthy discussion, the Amherst-Pelham Education Association’s Representative Council voted overwhelmingly to declare “no confidence in the judgment or professional leadership capabilities of the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) and its Commissioner Jeff Riley.” In doing so, the APEA educators stand together with over 100 other educator unions across the state that have expressed their dismay at Riley’s leadership during this pandemic.
On November 6, the same day Governor (Charlie) Baker started a campaign to inform the public about the dangers of indoor, at-home gatherings of over 10 people, he and Riley downgraded metrics for returning to in-person learning. Their new guidance encourages a return to school buildings even in hot-spot areas. This appearance of changing metrics and selective application of health and safety guidance to suit an agenda was a concern to many on the Representative Council.
APEA members also noted that on November 17, the CDC removed guidance from their website that promoted in-person learning. The CDC website now states that “the body of evidence is growing that children of all ages are susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection and contrary to early reports might play a role in transmission.” It also lists in-person learning as potentially high risk.
Jennifer Jensen, middle school teacher and APEA representative, stated, “The APEA stands in solidarity with educator unions around the state who are upholding both safety and student learning. Instead of moving the goalposts for when schools are safe to open, we urge Riley to support educators and the communities they serve with needed resources, for safety and for equitable opportunities.”
Contributing to APEA members’ decision on the no-confidence vote was the continued emphasis from DESE on MCAS testing during a pandemic. Although DESE has delayed and extended some MCAS testing, the MCAS still looms large as an added stress on students, families and educators during an already stressful time.
The Amherst-Pelham Educators Association represents teachers, paraeducators, and clerical staff in the Amherst-Pelham school district.