Reservist to Pay School District

I read an article from the Detroit Free Press tonight that is, quite possibly, the most offensive thing I’ve read all week. A western Michigan school district has told Middle School science teacher and Naval Reservist that not only must he pay for his substitute teacher while he’s serving two weeks of active duty, but he must ALSO turn over his military pay to the Kenowa Hills Public Schools. That, however, is not the most insulting part of the article. The worst part is the attitude of the school district.

“It’s a fact that he’s not losing money, that he’s making money. Whatever way you look at it, he’s still making money,” [Schools Superintendent Jim Gillette] said.

In neighboring Grand Rapids Public Schools, teachers called to duty receive two weeks of unpaid leave but are not required to pay for a substitute teacher.

As a result of Bernhardt’s situation, Kenowa Hills school board members now are likely to create a specific policy covering employee military leave.

“In the future, he’s not going to get out that well,” Gillette said.

He’s not going to get out that well. It seems like this jack-ass is taking pride in the fact that he’s screwing over the reservist. It’s so appalling that I hardly have the words to denounce it.

I mean… I can see not getting paid while you’re not working. I can even ALMOST fathom having to pay for your sub, although that’s getting a little excessive… but having to pay extra ON TOP Of that?

Well, if any of you are interested in contacting the asshat mentioned above, you can find the contact info here. The email address on that page is gsims@khps.org.