More than 100 Huntsville teachers jobless - WAFF-TV: News, Weather and Sports for Huntsville, AL

More than 100 teachers in the Huntsville City School system are without a job. Members of the school board decided not to renew those contracts during a special meeting this Monday morning.   

Dr. Casey Wardynski said the changes had to be made so the school system could move forward.

"This year we've discharged a number of tenured employees and we don't seek to do that, but if the job is not done and the kids needs aren't getting met first we have discussions and we do what's called documenting we begin formal communication in writing." Wardynski said. "If that doesn't work then we may start some sort of disciplinary action."   

Dr. Wardynski said that termination of employment is the most severe action that can be made.  In all, 121 teacher's contracts were not renewed. Out of this group the board denied tenure for 29 teachers on permanent contracts and 56 teachers on probationary contracts. 

Wardynski said the review process for those contracts began in December. A committee was formed of teachers and principals who would evaluate other teachers.  

He said the list of the teachers was in two categories. A large number of them were hired on temporary contacts; which have to end at the end of the year. He said they can be brought back the next school year for permanent contracts. Those who didn't meet the needs of the schools will not be back. 

"We want to have the best teachers in our classrooms and we want to give teachers indications that they are doing fine and where they need to grow and get them into tenure," he said.    

The school board also approved Wardynski's recommendation to move more than a dozen principals. Some have been promoted, some have been transferred and some let go. 

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