MA Teachers Union sues over question

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - The Massachusetts Teachers Association is upset over a ballot question that could change the way teachers get evaluated.

The union goes as far as to call the question, "unconstitutional."

The union is so upset that they filed a lawsuit with the state supreme court.

As it stands, if this question is approved in November, It would make 'performance' NOT 'seniority' the determining factor for teacher layoffs.

The question was originally filed by education and child advocacy group Stand For Children, who just opened up a Springfield chapter last month.

Jason Williams is the group's Executive Director for Massachusetts.

"Lawmakers have an opportunity to do what an overwhelming majority of Massachusetts voters support - ensure our schools promote and recognize teachers based on performance, not just seniority."

Paul Toner, the President of the Massachusetts Teachers Association fired back with this comment.

"We have been working extremely hard...to implement a new evaluation system that is designed to improve the quality of instruction in our schools. This lengthy and complicated initiative throws a monkey wrench into the process."

According to Stand for Children, a recent UMASS Amherst Poll showed their ballot question has 85% approval.

But the Mass Teachers Association says the question is too confusing and would even restrict the power of the courts to review arbitration cases.

The ballot question was already certified by the attorney general. No word when the state Supreme Court will take up the lawsuit.