RI teachers sue over new hiring process

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) - The Providence Teachers Union has filed a federal lawsuit seeking to prevent the district from abolishing seniority as the primary way of filling teacher vacancies.

The 2,000 member union is challenging the authority of the state Education Commissioner to impose a new h iring practice that fills vacancies based on an application process.

The union claims the issue should be settled through collective bargaining.

The suit names Superintendent Thomas Brady, School Board President Robert Wise and education Commissioner Deborah Gist.

Under the hiring process the state wants to implement, candidates are required to submit an extensive application, including a resume, examples of student work and evidence of professional training.