C.F. high school fires all teachers

CENTRAL FALLS, R.I. (WPRI) - Central Falls school administrators voted Tuesday night to terminate the entire teaching staff at Central Falls High School.

The vote by the Board of Trustess to fire all 88 teachers at the low-performing school followed a rally by the teachers Tuesday evening , in which supporters came in from across the state in a show of solidarity.

Teachers and the students who supported them were left stunned, and many were in tears.

Superintendent Frances Gallo said administrators tried to negotiate, but the teachers refused to accept an improvement plan .

"If we are going to change the culture, it had to happen," Gallo said.

The terminations are part of a turnaround plan for Central Falls High School, which is one of the worst-performing in the state. Education Commissioner Deborah Gist has approved the proposed plan.

Stunned students at Tuesday night's meeting said firing the teachers did not get to the root of the school's problems.

"There are no better teachers than Central Falls High School teachers," said junior Kelyn Salazar. "It's the students that make their own choices, and decide whether they want to learn or not."

Superintendent Gallo said she had already been contacted by teachers from around the country, who want to come to Central Falls to help.

As part of the plan, some Central Falls teachers will be able to re-apply for their positions. Superintendent Gallo said Tuesday night she hopes some of them do that.