The DEA’s position is that the proper procedures weren’t followed during the process of eliminating the positions of instructional specialists and reading recovery teachers. 

“You have to read their names out loud (during a board meeting) and let them know those positions are no longer available,” Niesman said. “That’s what they told them, but then they turned right around and created new positions at (the Professional Development Institute) and they’re basically the same positions that they had, with the same job descriptions. I can’t tell you what they were thinking. We’re struggling with communication and collaboration with this board and district leadership.”

Some of the displaced reading recovery and instructional specialists applied for those jobs, Niesman said. Some chose to leave the district entirely.

The association represents more than 700 members. 

Denise Swarthout, a spokeswoman for Decatur schools, said the district had no comment. 

The unfair labor practice notice is filed with the Illinois Educational Labor Relations Board.  The association explains their issues and the relief they seek. So far, that board has acknowledged receipt, but no hearing has yet been set.

The charge is assigned to a board investigator who speaks with the party who filed the charge and the person or entity the charge was filed against. The investigator can request additional information or documents and may request a meeting with both parties in an effort to resolve their differences informally. If the investigation reveals an issue or law or fact, the executive director can set a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge.