Simi Teachers’ Union Takes Issue With Transfers

Teachers’ union leaders expressed displeasure Friday with the Simi Valley School District’s decision to transfer 11 school principals to new schools within the district next year.

The moves, common in school districts, are intended to develop principals’ skills while sharing innovative techniques with other schools.

Twelve elementary, middle and high schools will be affected by the transfers, which will take place July 1. The district has not transferred principals for four years.

A memo sent to teachers Thursday by representatives of the Simi Educators Assn. stated the reason the group was unhappy with the decision.

“While [the union] realizes that the school district has the legal right to reassign administrative personnel . . . we are not convinced that a massive shake-up of personnel is warranted at this time when our district appears to be running smoothly,” stated the memo sent by union President Ginny Jannotto and Hal Vick, executive director of the California Teachers Assn.

The teachers’ union does not represent administrators, but the union’s major concern is the effect that changing principals will have on the teaching staff.

Cary Dritz, assistant superintendent of personnel services, said the district will work with union leaders to resolve any concerns.