Faith leaders and Tacoma City Council candidates are stepping in as investigations into widespread staff absences at Jennie Reed Elementary School appear to be escalating.
Thirty-eight teachers and education-support professionals at the school in Tacoma’s South End called in sick on Sept. 12. An unsigned letter that circulated online last month said that they did so to “send the message” to district leaders that the community “will not accept fewer supports for our students.” The absences came on the heels of widespread cuts to staff positions at the district while it contended with a budget deficit.
District spokesperson Kathryn McCarthy said this week the district is “still investigating” allegations that certain staff members violated district policies and said the district expects to conclude its investigation around late November…