FAIRMONT, W.Va. — Those with the American Federation of Teachers say they believe the recent suspension of two teachers in Marion County sets a bad precedent for teachers throughout West Virginia.
Kristen DeVaul and April Gilpin, teachers at North Marion High School in Marion County, were suspended for one day without a pay by the Marion County Board of Education earlier this month for their roles in an activity in which students were allegedly injured.
“We’re very concerned this is going to set a precedent and stifle physical activity in our schools when its needed more than ever,” said Frank Caputo, a staff representative for the AFT in Marion County.
At the time, the students were taking part in a type of three-legged race — a hands-on activity designed to build teamwork. Two of the students fell and suffered unspecified injuries.
“If you’re a classroom teacher, beware that if you take your kids outside and one of them gets injured in an unfortunate accident, then you could be suspended from your position,” warned Caputo.
School officials at North Marion High School conducted an internal investigation after the activity in question and presented those findings to the Marion County Board of Education before the suspension decision was made.
Gary Price, superintendent of schools in Marion County, said the teachers made changes to an exercise that was successful in the past. Instead of team-building, he said the activity turned into more of a competition.
“It just so happens that, in this particular case, the teachers involved chose to make a couple of alterations to that activity and the alterations that they chose to make are the ones that directly caused the accident,” Price said.
The AFT represents DeVaul and is appealing the decision. The organization has filed a Level III grievance which will allow them to bring the case before an administrative law judge.
“We look at this as a statewide issue. Am I going to be at risk of suspension if an unfortunate accident happens?” questioned Caputo.