FRANKLIN TWP. | While it was a standing-room-only
crowd Tuesday night at Warren County Technical High School's first
outdoor graduation, some seats on the stage were noticeably empty.
About 25 Warren Tech Education
Association members refused to participate in Tuesday night's
ceremony in protest of the school board's refusal to ratify a
new contract. The association advised nontenured teachers to participate
in the ceremony, association President Ed Yarusinksy said.
The school board had been expected
to approve the new contract today. Officials now say it will likely
be approved at a special meeting June 25.
Chief School Administrator Robert
Glowacky called the association's actions uncalled for but noted
it was still a great evening. Some teachers declined to give their
students certificates during the ceremony, choosing instead to
stand in the back of the crowd with relatives and friends.
"I think they should be embarrassed
they weren't up here," Glowacky said. "As educators, we always
put the kids before ourselves, and tonight they put themselves
in front of these kids."
Cosmetology instructors Cathy Bennett
and Fran Tomeo both cheered their students on from the back of
the crowd. Standing in the parking lot before the ceremony, both
choked back tears as they explained why they decided not to participate
after learning Tuesday the contract would not be ratified today.
"It's like a slap in the face,"
Bennett said. "We had 100 percent of our students pass the state
licensing exam. They are like our kids. They really are."
Teacher Rich Patricia, who was
on the negotiating team, said the board has all it needs to make
its decision.
"It's very upsetting we can't be
here with the kids," Patricia said. "It's one of the best days
of their lives."
Despite the large crowd between
them, as the class song -- "I Will Remember You" by Sarah McLachlan
-- played, teachers and some students swayed together.
Parent Paul Roberts, whose son
Will Roberts graduated Tuesday, said he supported the teachers'
action.
"My feeling is it's unfortunate
but they have to do what they have to do. If they don't have a
contract that's ratified they don't have to be here," he said.
"They deserve a contract and to know their salary."
Parent Donna Heater agreed.
"They should settle and give the
teachers a contract," she said before the ceremony. "I feel the
teachers deserve what they are asking for."