FFA advisors might be reinstated

FALLON - After protests by more than 50 FFA students at a school board meeting last week, the termination of the organization's two summer advisors will be revisited this week.

Churchill County High School Principal Robbin Pedrett and Superintendent Carolyn Ross met parents Friday over concerns of the dismissals of FFA advisors Kristina Carey and Courtney Dahl and said further discussions will take place.

Pedrett explained the two FFA summer positions are stipend jobs approved on a year-by-year basis and are independent teaching contracts.

The high school principal said she has been told something different from what the community has heard such as if the teachers would be in Fallon this summer.

Pedrett said two other highly qualified people could lead the FFA program this summer.

She added Carey asked last year for a transfer for the 2008-2009 school year, and it was granted.

Ross said she has complete confidence in the high school principal and was disappointed over some of the remarks made about Pedrett at Wednesday's school board meeting.

"I know this person," Ross said. "I have to have confidence in the principal at that site."

When asked why the two FFA instructors were terminated from the summer program, Ross said this will be determined by the grievances the two teachers have filed.

"The only reason we are here is we want what is best for our kids," she said. "This is not about money."

Pedrett said the consistency of the program is what concerns her, and she reiterated some teachers had told her they might not be available.

"Now, if they recanted I never got that," she said. "I am trying to make sure the consistency of the program goes forward."

Farmer Charlie Frey said he is worried about the comfort zone (for students) if teachers are continued to be switched and moved.

Churchill County Education Association President Margie Villanueva said she knows Carey did not resign her summer teaching job, and Pedrett said the teacher asked for and was given a transfer to a chemistry teaching position.

Pedrett said the transfer request made her decide if Carey was going to be available for the FFA program.

Villanueva said she spoke to Carey, who told her she is unhappy. The CCEA president said she was told Carey did not accept the transfer, but was willing to take one science class. She also said Carey is available in the summer.

Pedrett said Carey only wanted the top two science teaching positions.

Board member Dave Ash wanted to know whether a principal can make decisions to terminate contracts, and Villanueva's reply was all employee contracts are approved by the board.

Trustee Lou Buckmaster said the board approved the two summer contracts, so they - the advisors - should be allowed to teach through the agreement.

"I think you are in violation of the contract we approved," Buckmaster said. "These two should be able to serve out their contracts."

Pedrett said her job is to fill the potential voids.

Frey said the main problem is the timing and not giving parents and students the time needed to learn about new instructors.

Pedrett said she is receiving information from the two sides whether the FFA advisors are going to be available this summer, but she mentioned she can revisit it.

"We will meet with all parties to see what is (factual)," she said.

Villanueva said the CCEA has asked the terminations be suspended until the grievances are settled.