Legal Question in Employment Law in Massachusetts
I work for the public school system as the clerical staff that helps run two grades in a high school. As of this year, the school has implemented an "In-House Suspension program". This program was supposed to be staffed with consistent supervision. The students are being housed in a room in the back of the section my office. This is a location I cannot see while sitting at my desk. The administration has not yet supplied any staff to supervise these students. The responsibility has fallen on me. I am unable to assure the safety of these student as in order to the job I was hired to do, I need to leave my office several times a day. Also, there are two other offices back in the area that the in-house suspensions are held that students go to. I cannot assure they will come right out after visiting one of those offices and not go to the area that the in-house student is.Yesterday a student went to one of the offices back there and after leaving that office, proceeded to deliver alcoholic beverages to the in-house student.
I have expressed my concerns verbally to the Assistant Principal I work for and the Principal of the school that I should not be responsible for supervising these students and nothing has been done about it. Can I be held legally responsible for any harm that may come to a student that is in in-house-detention just because it is being housed in the back area of my office? This hole thing has got me a nervous wreck and I would appreciate any advice you can give me.
Sincerely,
Laura
2 Answers from Attorneys
Are you part of a union as they are responsible to protect you
The short answer to your question is: Yes.
Please get your concerns addressed in writing to the principle and the superintendent. Or, as my college has suggested, with your Union.
Related Questions & Answers
Looking for something else?
10,200 active attorneys ready to answer your legal questions today.
Featured Attorneys
Earn additional revenue and grow your business.
