This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2011, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
In "Fire the deadwood" (Forum, Feb. 20), Allen Canfield displayed his ignorance when he wrote: "Get rid of tenure in the public schools. That's where we need to be able to more easily fire the deadwood."
Canfield's statement is misleading on two counts: First, there is no "tenure" in public schools. Schools have a "continuing contract"; tenure is a much stronger protection reserved for college and university professors.
Second, it is relatively easy to fire incompetent teachers. There is no truth to the belief that teachers protect their own. The problem is with administrators who do not understand "due process" and who don't have the skill or desire to initiate termination.
I have worked as a school district superintendent in four states, including Salt Lake City, and always had union support in terminating incompetent personnel.
My problem was always with principals who would not identify unsatisfactory personnel. Teachers were far more aggressive in doing so.
If deadwood exists, it is not due to the teachers or the union. It is more apt to be an administrative problem. Canfield should aim his criticism at the appropriate people.
M. Donald Thomas
Salt Lake City