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PSS employees battle with realities
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Posted on Apr 22 1999
Some 150 non-certified personnel of the Public School System have received what they call as “love letters” and came face to face with the realities of contractual employment while their employer struggles to keep them.
The so-called love letter reminds concerned employees that their contract is due to end on May 8. It will also serve as the termination notice for those who were not recommended for renewal by their respective supervisors.
According to acting Fiscal and Budget Officer William Matson, PSS officials are scheduled to meet today to look at the number of renewals in comparison with allotment.
This termination notice does not necessarily mean that PSS will not be renewing contracts, he said.
But he emphasized that the decision to retain or not to renew employees is left to the supervisors based on performance evaluation.
“That’s unrelated to the money issue,” he said.
Sources said employee’s attendance is a prime consideration for renewal this year. This may reflect the recent recommendation presented to the Board of Education which asked for the termination of PSS staff with poor attendance. Those employees who have accumulated 15 percent rate of absenteeism in one year should not be renewed.
However, this is the first time that PSS has issued reminder letters to employees whose contract are due to end. In the past, only those who will not be renewed will receive the love letter.
This lapse during happier times is causing concern to employees who are now being reminded on the terms and conditions of their employment.
As Commissioner of Education Rita H. Inos earlier reminded PSS personnel that employment contracts do not guarantee lifetime job.
Contracts of non-certified personnel were scheduled to end last month. However, the $1.7 million additional funding approved by Gov. Pedro P. Tenorio in December to delay the 10 percent PSS salary cut had extended their term until May.
PSS officials are exploring the professional services contract and hourly wages as two options to keep their employees.
