ARTICLE VII TEACHER PROTECTION

Portsmouth School Department

Section A Worker’s Compensation

1. The School Committee shall provide Worker's Compensation for all Certified Staff.

2. Whenever a teacher is absent from work as a result of an on-the-job injury other than assault as defined in R.I. Gen. Laws §9-1-31, accumulated sick days will be used to supplement the teacher's salary on a bi-weekly basis in prop01tion to the affected teacher's full bi-weekly salary up to a maximum of thirty (30) sick leave days. After thitty (30) sick leave days have been charged for this purpose, the teacher will be limited to Workers' Compensation wages only. Absences that result from assault as defined in the aforementioned law shall be paid in accordance with all of the provisions of said law.

Section B Transfer Of Tenure

Teachers who have attained tenure in other Rhode Island communities shall be placed on tenure in Portsmouth in accordance with § 16-13-8.

Section C Legal Counsel

If criminal or civil proceedings are brought against a teacher in connection with the teacher's employment, the School Committee, in accordance with R.I. Gen. Law §9-1-31, will furnish legal counsel to defend the teacher in such proceedings, if the proceedings are brought while the teacher is engaged in lawful teaching responsibilities and so long as the teacher's actions are not wanton, reckless, malicious or grossly negligent as determined by a comt of competent jurisdiction.

Section D Academic Freedom

The School Committee and NEA Portsmouth agree that adequate freedom is essential to the fulfillment of the Portsmouth School Department, and they acknowledge the fundamental need to protect teachers from any censorship or restraint which might interfere with their obligation to pursue truth in the performance of their teaching functions. Methods of instruction should be determined by the needs of children as established by the teacher, with the principal and the Superintendent involved. Teachers who feel their right to academic freedom has been infringed upon will have access to the grievance procedure.