Tenure - Why this workshop is important

Tenure - Developing a Culture of Quality and Accountability

Why This Workshop is Important

The common wisdom is that New York’s tenure law entrenches mediocrity and protects incompetence. Once a teacher has tenure, a proceeding under section 3020-a is so difficult, costly and time-consuming that it should be avoided at all costs except in the most egregious cases. Is this true? No! By understanding and working with the tools the law gives them superintendents can set and enforce high standards for tenured teachers. They can use section 3020-a as a practical and effective method of discipline and dismissal.

This workshop will review the legal standards and procedures for conferring and denying tenure, and for disciplining and dismissing tenured teachers. It will dispel the myths that impede action to weed out ineffective and incompetent teachers. Superintendents will learn practical skills for writing powerful observations and evaluations, investigating complaints, warning and counseling, enforcing improvement plans, and building the case in the classroom so that it can be proven in the courtroom. Materials will be practical and useful.

Workshop Faculty

Wayne A. Vander Byl, Esq.

Mr. Vander Byl has been advising and representing New York school districts in labor and employment matters since 1979. He has represented districts in discipline and dismissal proceedings under section 3020-a, section 75, and contractual just cause provisions. Wayne is an active member and director of the New York State Association of School Attorneys and a member and former chair of the School Attorneys Committee of the Monroe County Bar Association. He has been a program chair and presenter at law conferences sponsored by both organizations. Mr. Vander Byl is an adjunct instructor of Education Law for SUNY College at Brockport. He is known for the clarity of his presentations and the practicality of his advice and recommendations.

Workshop Administrator
James M. Merrins, Ed.D.

Dr. Merrins is Executive Program Administrator for the Steuben-Allegany. He administers the statewide Superintendent Development Program, and numerous fiscal workshops for superintendents and senior school administrators, including Fiscal Navigation for Superintendents, Everything is Negotiable, At the Table Negotiating Skills, Total Executive School Leadership, and the School Business Officials Training and Support Program. Jim has 32 years experience in school administration, including 16 years as a Superintendent in Fredonia and Honeoye, New York. Dr. Merrins is NYS certified as a School Business Administrator. Dr. Merrins taught school finance and school law at SUNY colleges for several years.

Workshop Sponsors

sponsored by
Oswego State University - Department of Educational Administration
Superintendent Support Programs - Steuben-Allegany BOCES (LEA)