Malloy: Tenure rules need overhaul

WTNH TV

Updated: Feb 8, 2012 7:06 PM

HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH) — Weeding out bad teachers so students get the cream of the crop; Governor Malloy says it's all part of his education reform plan.

The Governor says Connecticut is one of the few state's in the nation that hasn't changed teacher tenure, and Wednesday he laid out his plans in the State of the State address.

"No one should doubt my resolve; I am determined to fix our public schools," Malloy said. "I do not think it will be easy, nor do I think it will happen overnight, but it will happen. It must happen."

In his speech Wednesday, Malloy took square aim at what some in the Democratic Party have considered a sacred cow: teacher tenure.

If you're a teacher with tenure it is very difficult to get rid of you. The Governor says all you have to do to get it in Connecticut is show up. You have to be rated "incompetent" before a removal process can begin. Then it is a year or longer before you're removed.

"The bottom line? Today tenure is too easy to get and too hard to take away," Malloy said. "I propose we do it a different way, I propose we hold every teacher to a standard of excellence."

Republicans are saying hallelujah.

"The Governor is pushing forward agenda items that Republicans have been pushing for years and have met with great resistance from the Democrats," said Sen. John McKinney.

"His education reforms are exciting," said Cafero. "It took a lot of guts for him to say what he said. I think you're going to see a lot of bi-partisan support. I can pledge that from my side of the aisle."

Democrats are saying things are different now.

"You know the teachers are saying they want to be part of the solution," said Rep. Chris Donovan.

And the head of the state's largest teacher union agreed.

"I think we have a lot in common," said Mary Loftus Levine, C.E.A. Teacher Union, "but the 'devil's in the details' so we look forward to working with all the stake holders, not just the Governor, to come to consensus on this very important issue."

The teacher's union does have their own proposal for tenure reform, and now the big negotiation must get underway.

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