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Teacher contract provision amazingly vague
The whole idea of a contract is to spell everything out, right?
Well, if the Board of Education was trying to get a little clarity on the current school teachers’ "work to rule" dispute, we’re not sure we got it. Jim Williams, chairman of the Human Resources Committee, wanted a briefing on exactly what the terms of the contract that was imposed on teachers says about after-school responsibilities.
The terms (and these have been typical in numerous past, signed contracts) dictate that teachers must "devote considerable time outside of school hours to prepare for instruction," and that they have a "supplemental professional obligation to participate in a reasonable amount of school-related activities."
But what’s"reasonable" to the goose may be an affront to the gander, to adapt one cliche. And what does "considerable" mean, anyway? It’s all clear as mud.
This vog assault is reaching marathon proportions
You know the vog is exceptionally bad when drivers are using headlights during daytime hours. It’s hazy and gloomy out there — has been for days now — and unfortunately, isn’t expected to ease much for the next several days. For those prone to irritated eyes, scratchy throats or tougher breathing due to the volcanic fog, be advised to stay indoors when possible and drink lots of water.
Further, let’s hope the tradewinds start returning as the weekend approaches. Of particular concern is Sunday’s 40th running of the Honolulu Marathon, on track to draw its largest field in 15 years. Nearly 30,000 have already registered, with final numbers expected to top 31,000. These hardy folks don’t need the additional challenge of voggy air with each breath; the 26.2-mile course is brutal enough.