JCPS board members want to track why teachers are leaving

Growing Concerns over School Discipline 

This from WDRB (Video):

After a WDRB News investigation found teachers walking out of JCPS classrooms and saying they don’t feel safe, the school board discussed the issue Monday night.

Some board members say those claims are troubling and question why the district isn’t keeping better track of the reasons teachers are leaving.

Dozens of JCPS teachers from different schools contacted WDRB saying students are verbally, emotionally and sometimes physically abusing other students, teachers and staff.

Some teachers say the situation has gotten so bad they're resigning. Since the start of the 2015-16 school year, 72 teachers have resigned. That's an increase from 62 teachers during the same time frame last year.

Superintendent Donna Hargens says the district doesn't keep a record of why teachers resigned before their contracts expire. Board members are questioning if that should change.

“I think it's important that we know why teachers are leaving our district -- whether they're retiring or they're retiring under duress or some other reason," board member Chris Brady said. “Obviously, it takes quite a bit of money and training be able to get folks used to your system so we want to be able to keep them as long as we can and I think this is beneficial if we collect that data."

Lisa Willner, another board member, calls it a cause for concern that teachers are leaving mid-year, pointing out that it's very disruptive for students.

She says the issues in the classroom that are making it so people don't feel safe, should be addressed immediately.