Dozens of teachers from the Vineland School District protested outside of the district's school board meeting Monday night, fighting back against what they call unfair treatment by superintendent Dr. Matthew Ross.
"People have been demoralized. People have been just bogged down and exhausted and it's really hard to come to work everyday when you feel that way," said Vineland Teachers Association president Kara Ranney.
The protesters held signs that said "Toss Matt Ross" and "Bully Boss". The teachers say Dr. Ross has called them lazy, especially when taking a sick day.
"We've had people when they're on jury duty, it's a non-school-related absence. They're not charged that from their sick time, but it's still included in the letter that they're given," Ranney said.
23ABC obtained a letter called a "notice of concern" where it notifies teachers of the absences they've had and how it could impact the students. But the teachers say the days they've taken is time they've accrued.
"I've seen Dr. Ross belittle all of his employees by saying things like we're lazy, we only care about the money," said Rebecca Langston-George, who has worked for Vineland Unified for 18 years.
The teachers have also been in contract negotiations for a year, but say they've gotten nowhere. The teachers insist that it's not just about the money. One instructor said she resigned last year and took a $20,000 pay cut just to leave the district.
"I took a very big pay cut to get another job in teaching and I'm not a lazy teacher, nor is anyone else here," Langston-George said.
Even teachers from other nearby school districts came out to protest in support.
"The treatment that these teachers have received is atrocious and we are here to show our support. That this is not acceptable and we are not going to stand for it," said Jennifer Dewey, who works for another local school district.
Ross could not be reached for comment, but he did tell 23ABC last week that he's not really worried about the resignations and that all vacant positions have already been filled.
