Andover School District Responds To Teachers Union Letter

ANDOVER, MA — In a post on the district website Monday afternoon, Andover Public Schools Superintendent Sheldon Berman disputed the Andover Education Association's characterization of an ongoing hostile work environment investigation at South Elementary School. The union has called the investigation an attempt to chill union activity at the school, and has planned a rally Tuesday "in solidarity with South." The union has also said it's attempting to have the investigation blocked by the courts.

In the post, Berman disputed the union's claim that the hostile work investigation is an "effort by the administration to “chill” union participation." He also says the union was unaware of a survey the union had taken of South Elementary School staff, and that the district has not heard negative feedback about the South principal from the school, "with the sole exception of a difference of opinion about one meeting."

"While the AEA appears to be portraying this situation as a union issue, such is not the case," Berman wrote. "The investigation is not looking into matters that occurred within the context of union meetings. The investigation relates to alleged conflicts among employees in the workplace; therefore, it is the administration’s responsibility to investigate and, if warranted, take appropriate action."

Berman noted that the district is required to investigate allegations of a hostile workplace, and said that the investigation is being done by outside counsel. Both sides of the allegation are AEA members, he said.

"This investigation stems from allegations by multiple staff members," Berman wrote. "The complaints and the ongoing investigation concern allegations by employees represented by the AEA about other employees, who are also represented by the AEA."

In the union letter released last week, AEA president Mark Bach wrote, "In fact, a hostile work environment does exist at South Elementary school. But it is not the result of our members’ professional actions or conduct. Rather, those responsible for instilling a school climate and culture of low morale, disrespect, and fear are all operating in the Andover Public Schools administration. It is unfortunate that the school district is targeting the AEA members for raising their legitimate concerns instead of addressing the issues of school leadership, climate and culture. The AEA believes that the current “investigation” is unlawful and we are seeking to legally stop the investigatory interviews."

Berman's letter says that the investigation does not include complaints about actions by school administrators.

The union has called a rally outside the school for Tuesday afternoon at 3:30 p.m.

Christopher Huffaker can be reached at 412-265-8353 or chris.huffaker@patch.com.