Not fired, just let go?
I see someone else losing their job here.
Wilson County Director of Schools Dr. Jim Duncan, the man who sent the letter informing Parker that he was being let go, insists that “he was not fired.”
Duncan maintains that the teacher-turned-soldier was told not to return to school the next year because there just weren’t enough students signed up for Parker’s class.
But Duncan also admits that he had problems with Parker being sent to Afghanistan not once, but twice.
“It was like we got these classes going and you’re supposed to be the teacher,” Duncan tells Kraus.
“So, you’re saying his teaching position should have been his priority?” Kraus asks.
“Firmly. Yes.”
But despite the law, the director of schools says he still feels that when class started, instead of being on the battlefield, Parker should have been in the classroom.
“Could he have said something to his superiors? ‘Look, I really need to get back there. If everything is equal, I need to get back there (to Wilson Central High School) January 3rd because that’s when my class starts and I need to be with those kids for the full semester.’”
What does Dr. Duncan think point of the National Guard is? You don’t say, “Sorry, but I’m a little busy right now, maybe later.” I’m afraid this scandal is going to blow up in Dr. Duncan’s face.
h/t BLACKFIVE: Two Time OEF Vet Loses Job Because He Served his Country
There’s really two conflicting issues here.
1) The reasonable expectation that via deployment the soldier doesn’t loose out jobwise
2) The reasonable expectation that children in class are not disadvantaged by he teacher up and leaving.
I don’t see an easy fix here.
Comment by Trias — July 14, 2006 @ 7:56 am
There is also the expectation that school administrators will follow the law. The law seems quite clear, and while I’m no legal expert, Dr. Duncan does seem to be in violation of the law. I’m curious how this turns out. My guess is that it will not end in Dr. Duncan’s favor.
Comment by HDW — July 14, 2006 @ 8:33 am
It appears to be a very clear violation of USERRA.
Dr. Duncan admitted to the reporter Parker was let go because of his military service.
With that admission on tape…Parker’s lawyer can start picking colors for his new Mercedes to be purchased with funds courtesy of Dr Duncan and the Wilson County Public School system.
Comment by Jerry Lobb — July 15, 2006 @ 1:05 pm