Wednesday, November 25, 2009
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Educators accused of unethical conduct
POSTED: 01:30 a.m. HST, Nov 07, 2009
A group of parents with disabled children has filed a motion alleging unethical conduct on the part of state teachers and administrators.
The same motion also charged the state Attorney General's Office was in a conflict of interest, representing both Gov. Linda Lingle and the state Department of Education as they defend challenges to Furlough Fridays.
The motion is connected to one of three lawsuits challenging the state's cancellation of 17 public school days this academic year and 17 next year through unpaid furlough days for teachers. A hearing on the three cases is scheduled for Monday before Judge Wallace Tashima of the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.
In the motion filed yesterday, attorney Eric Seitz alleges that teachers and administrators had direct contact with his clients, disabled children and their parents about the impact of furlough days.
Seitz said without court review, state educational officials subsequently filed 16 declarations involving his clients, including unfounded conclusions that furlough days would have no effect on them. Seitz said the contact with his clients who have legal representation was improper.
Attorney General Mark Bennett said the allegations are "totally without merit." He said the teachers were trying to make sure the furloughs had as little impact as possible on special-education students who have individualized education plans.
"We categorically deny anything unethical," Bennett said.
He said there was no conflict of interest in his office representing both the Lingle administration and the DOE over furloughs.
Bennett said Seitz's complaint was shown to the administration and department. "They all indicated they wanted us to continue as their lawyers," Bennett said.
A group of parents with disabled children has filed a motion alleging unethical conduct on the part of state teachers and administrators.
The same motion also charged the state Attorney General's Office was in a conflict of interest, representing both Gov. Linda Lingle and the state Department of Education as they defend challenges to Furlough Fridays.
The motion is connected to one of three lawsuits challenging the state's cancellation of 17 public school days this academic year and 17 next year through unpaid furlough days for teachers. A hearing on the three cases is scheduled for Monday before Judge Wallace Tashima of the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.
In the motion filed yesterday, attorney Eric Seitz alleges that teachers and administrators had direct contact with his clients, disabled children and their parents about the impact of furlough days.
Seitz said without court review, state educational officials subsequently filed 16 declarations involving his clients, including unfounded conclusions that furlough days would have no effect on them. Seitz said the contact with his clients who have legal representation was improper.
Attorney General Mark Bennett said the allegations are "totally without merit." He said the teachers were trying to make sure the furloughs had as little impact as possible on special-education students who have individualized education plans.
"We categorically deny anything unethical," Bennett said.
He said there was no conflict of interest in his office representing both the Lingle administration and the DOE over furloughs.
Bennett said Seitz's complaint was shown to the administration and department. "They all indicated they wanted us to continue as their lawyers," Bennett said.
Today’s Edition
- Friends and associates join search for missing kayaker
- Legislators cancel party plans
- Teachers willing to return for restored furlough days
- Harbor officials eye fee increase
- Mammograms: Do I really need this?
- Thanksgiving Day events serve food to those in need
- Kokua Line: Insurance verification uses Social Security info
- Newswatch
- Police and Fire
- Australia's move on credit card fees may have lessons for U.S.
- At Iraqi museum, Google chief announces plan to put artifacts online
- Kona holiday fundraiser helps culinary students
- By Request: Help others and collect the year's best recipes
- The Electric Kitchen: Desserts offer options to usual pumpkin pie
- Pet Ohana
- Da Kine
- Got nutrients?
- Wahine advance to WAC final
- Medeiros catches on at slot
- Prep World: Jamora ready for Govs
- Prep World: Athletes of the Week
- Prep briefs
- Say and Look have Aiea and 'Iolani talking, watching wins
- Cincinnati rolls through Maryland at Maui Invitational
- Couples will play in Hawaii
- Local aces
- Hawaii Beat
- Scoreboard
- TV & Radio
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