The mayor of Providence hasn't fired a single teacher. He has authorized that all teachers be given notice that staff reductions could be taking place this year. All teachers were given notice rather than some as has been done in the past.
Indeed, he could fire every teacher if the circumstances required it budget-wise.....but the fact remains, he hasn't fired anyone.
But CNN and the union bosses don't want us to know that. Otherwise they couldn't get outraged and start spilling into the streets with their little signs.
Sounds like the union wrote the story for CNN “reporter” and the “reporter” never fact checked it with the Mayor’s office. I bet the “reporter” never saw one of the notices that was sent out. Great journalism at CNN.
You are right on target here. This is standard practice in many districts if there is a possibility a budget won’t be passed or a contract negotiation may be delayed. Either all the pink slips will be rescinded or enough of the less senior teachers will be riffed to meet the budget or contract costs.
The story looks more like a setup piece for a sequel where teachers triumph over the evil politicians trying to destroy the union or schools. Sort of a false victory where there was no possibility of defeat in the first place.