Tenured teacher fired in chicago's school reform on the eve of starting chemo, dies.

William Buchanan, one of Chicago's teachers, died last week after a battle against cancer that was made much more difficult because Ron Huberman and those who run CPS took away Buchanan's work, benefits, and — ultimately — life during the cuts of the summer of 2010.

Bill Buchanan was one of the teachers (“teacher coaches”) Huberman cut in June 2010 while he was lying to the public, claiming he was cutting central office administrators while in fact he was cutting “citywide” teachers like Bill Buchanan.

During the time Huberman was cutting these teachers (and firing them immediately, without even giving them the one-year period in the reserves), the Chicago media were reporting Huberman’s claims — and the ongoing attack on teacher tenure — as if they were based on fact.

Huberman also ended the summer of 2010 with all of the more than 100 political cronies he had hired since his appointment by Mayor Daley in January 2009 still in their jobs. Those jobs were paying between $110,000 and $175,000 per year. It was teachers who were fired, not the patronage people...

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I'm posting the statement that Bill Buchanan asked to be publicized after his death in full:


STATEMENT OF WILLIAM BUCHANAN

I, William Buchanan, worked for 25 years for Chicago Public Schools with superior ratings each year. I hold a Master teaching certificate from the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards, and I served as a CPS teacher coach for the past two school years.

I'm also one of those fired coaches.

On June 21, 2010 I was notified that my employment would terminate in nine days with no honoring of my tenure rights.

The consequence of my firing might have special damage in that I'm a cancer patient just starting a chemotherapy treatment in a clinical trial in Boston's Dana-Farber Cancer Institute that will leave me unable to work in the Fall.

It's unclear to me yet if my disability policy — purchased through CPS approximately eight years ago — will be honored if I'm not a current employee. (I have a disability specialist looking over it next week.)

I'm informed that I'll lose all of my sick days unless I get re-hired by CPS within 10 months. I don't know if I'll be able to work within that time frame or not.

I'm losing my group health care benefits in August and will have to pay the COBRA price which is anticipated to be in the $500 per month range just for myself or the $1200 per month range for my whole family (wife and three children).

My employment history with CPS:

I started in 1985 and I've had 25 years of continuous service, including team leader and department chair positions

I earned National Board for Professional Teaching Standards certification in 2004

I was recruited to be an instructional coach for the IDS program in the 2008-2009 school year. I served in that position for two years until the firing

The consequence for me not receiving my due tenure rights are:

I lose the group rate for health care and have to pay COBRA which will cost approx. $1500 per month for myself, my wife and our three sons

I lose my accumulated sick days, worth about $6000

There is some question still if I’ll qualify for the CPS group disability policy I’ve paid into for 8 years which would pay me 60% of my salary while I’m in treatment

When I return following my disability I’ll possibly lose my seniority

Also, I'm sorry I can't attend the Tuesday sessions , but if there are other things you need — phone calls, rallies, meetings — let me know and I'll participate as I can.

Thank you for your reporting on this issue. William Buchanan

Sent: Saturday, July 17, 2010 3:30 PM

http://www.substancenews.net/articles.php?page=1775§ion=Article


It can't be true, because tenured teachers can't be fired, right?

I guess he should have waited until 2014 when the 'good stuff' about the Heath care bill kicks in.

May Mr. Buchanan rest in peace. I hope he has gone to a better place.

....they got exactly what they wanted - the US embroiled in international problems so no money for healthcare, teachers, etc.

he did`t wage war or make millions for the empire . he gave the children the tools that will last them the rest of their lives.
just like a broken machine he was sold as scrap...

huberman is leaving and another dime a dozen will replace him but teachers like bill will be harder to replace.


the chicago school system will be even worse under the incompetence of a mayor emanuel