NEW: Providence Teachers Union Boss Calls on Taveras to Rescind Firing

NEW: Providence Teachers Union Boss Calls on Taveras to Rescind Firing

Providence Teacher's Union (PTU) President Steve Smith met with Providence Mayor Angel Taveras yesterday to discuss the ramifications to the city of firing all 1926 Providence public school teachers. The layoffs came in compliance with a Rhode Island law that any teacher facing changes in employment for the following school year must be notified by March 1.

Taveras, who issued the layoff notices in anticipation of large budget cuts to the Providence Public School District, suggested firing a smaller percentage of teachers. Smith, however, insisted that layoff letters only be sent to teachers in positions at risk, and that all others be rescinded. He maintained the PTU's position that firing any teacher without cause is unacceptable and, eventually, will prove more costly to the city than budget cuts.
The PTU issued this statement:

"We remain committed, ready to sit down with the Mayor, and prepared to be a part of the solution of solving the city's financial woes. Smith said that the PTU has real solutions to the city's problems and hopes the mayor will listen."  

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