An Act To Protect Teachers from Punitive or Retaliatory Transfers

Sec. 1. 20-A MRSA §13203  is enacted to read:

§ 13203.  Punitive or retaliatory transfers

A school administrative unit may not transfer a teacher to another location or teaching assignment for a punitive or retaliatory reason unless the teacher consents to the transfer. A teacher who has been involuntarily transferred and believes the transfer is for a punitive or retaliatory reason may request a hearing with the school board. The school board shall hold a hearing within 15 days of the receipt of the teacher's request. If the teacher demonstrates that the transfer was for a punitive or retaliatory reason, the school board must reverse the transfer.

summary

This bill prohibits the transfer of a teacher to another location or teaching assignment for a punitive or retaliatory reason without the teacher's consent. It authorizes a teacher who has been involuntarily transferred to request a hearing with the school board and requires the school board to reverse the transfer if the teacher demonstrates that the transfer was for a punitive or retaliatory reason.