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 GRAND
RAPIDS -- A Michigan school district told a teacher
activated for military duty that he must cover the cost
of a substitute during part of his absence and give the
district some of his military pay.
At a school board meeting this week, angry teachers,
students and district residents criticized the decision
by administrators at Kenowa Hills Public Schools.
"Is this how you treat people that defend your country?"
Tom Lovett, a teacher's spouse and district resident,
asked board members.
Barry Bernhardt, a middle school science teacher and a
National Guard reservist for at least a decade, started
serving two weeks of active duty in Italy on Monday, the
day of the school board meeting.
During the 10 days Bernhardt will be gone from the
classroom, he will use two personal days and two
compensation days during his time off.
For the remaining six days, Bernhardt must pay the
district $74 per day for the substitute teacher filling
in for him and turn over the $78 in salary that he will
receive each day from the National Guard, The Grand
Rapids Press reported.
"The district missed a golden opportunity to reflect on
the patriotic duty of all Americans to, in our own way,
celebrate the accomplishments of the service not only of
Barry, but of all the men and women who stand for our
country," said Ron La Fave, a Kenowa Hills teacher.
Superintendent Jim Gillette said the district was
following the law when it crafted its agreement with
Bernhardt. A similar agreement was drawn up on one other
occasion, years earlier, when Bernhardt was assigned to
Bosnia during a tour of duty.
In most previous years, Bernhardt has fulfilled his
military assignments while on vacation, Gillette said.
"It's inaccurate to say we didn't do anything for him.
We did provide significant assistance," the
superintendent said, adding that the district continues
to provide Bernhardt with all his other benefits during
his absence.
In the end, the teacher will receive $573 more than he
would have after the two-week military leave, Gillette
said. Bernhardt will give the district only six days'
worth of his military pay, and he also will receive a
military housing allowance.
When compared to employees of private companies, the
district is doing what it should to protect Bernhardt's
financial stability, Gillette said.
"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," he 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.
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