BOARD SCRAPS TEACHER PREP HOUR

Despite pleas from teachers, the Cape Girardeau Board of Education Monday night solidified an earlier decision to eliminate second preparation periods for teachers at the secondary level.

"With only one prep per day, when am I going to have time to go and purchase the equipment I need? When am I going to have time to prepare for class?" asked Central High School teacher Karen Altenthal.

"I challenge anyone to come to work with me for one day and see what I do, and tell me I can do it all without my second prep period."

Altenthal was one of many teachers who unsuccessfully tried to protect second preparation periods for tenured teachers during the board meeting. In March, board members voted to phase in the elimination of second preparation periods for probationary teachers at Schultz and Central junior and high schools.

The plan that was adopted did not indicate whether tenured teachers would be affected, contrary to the beliefs of several members who voted on the issue.

Schools superintendent Dr. Dan Tallent said Monday he and board president Dr. Ferrell Ervin had determined a second action would be required if the board wanted to include tenured teachers in their decision. He recommended a second motion be adopted to eliminate the second preparation period for all secondary teachers, probationary and tenured, beginning with the 2002-2003 school year.

The phase-in plan adopted for nontenured teachers would still be used beginning with the 1999-2000 school year.

The board approved the recommendation in a 5-1 decision. Bob Fox, who had dissented in the March vote, again voiced his disapproval for the plan.

"I'm taking this stand because I believe as a board we need to stop making decisions that alienate our staff," said Fox before the vote was taken. "Our board took a step backward in the action to eliminate second prep periods for nontenured teachers, and we're about to take another one tonight."

Fox said despite popular belief, the elimination of second preparation periods would not save the district substantial amounts of money. People also are mistaken in believing that other area school districts require teachers to teach six periods each day, he said.

Fox also disputed statements regarding why he is taking a stand against the issue.

"I've been criticized by this board and many others in the community for taking this stand because my wife teaches at the high school," Fox said. "In April, the vote didn't affect my wife. Evidently, I'm the only one who knew what I was voting for."