Former Tiverton teacher and union representative Amy Mullen.

For the second time, a judge has rejected union efforts to reinstate fired Tiverton teacher and union representative Amy Mullen.

On Monday, June 29, US District Court Judge Judge John McConnell denied the National Education Association RI's (NEARI) second request for a restraining order.

The state teachers' union had asked that the judge require Tiverton schools to include Ms. Mullen in the school Reopening Committee, allow her back on campus, allow Ms. Mullen to bargain directly with school principals, and that she be reinstated. The judge denied all four requests.

Asked about the decision Tuesday, Superintendent of Schools Peter Sanchioni said, “The decision allows us to stay committed to developing the three phases of our reopening plans. We are focused on plans that best meet the needs of our students and staff."

Robert Walsh, executive director of NEARI, said “We look forward to a full evidentiary hearing in Federal Court so the residents of Tiverton can be fully apprised about the actions taken by the Superintendent and the School Committee, which continue to shock the conscience. As noted in my previous statement, when Amy Mullen prevails in this case she will be able to get full back pay, attorneys fees, etc." 

Ms. Mullen was fired by the School Committee as Tiverton was preparing to begin remote learning — she said the action came after her requests that the union be involved in that planning.

School district attorney Stephen Robinson said: “In the meantime, we will continue to reaffirm the fact that Ms. Mullen’s dismissal was a direct result of her consistent, long-running pattern of irresponsible, disruptive and unprofessional behavior, even when the school district was in the midst of a national emergency due to the pandemic. The school committee’s actions are the logical end to a long history of behavior by the plaintiff that was detrimental to the professional conduct of the educational process for the children of Tiverton. "