- By PAUL FOY Associated Press
- February 28, 2013 – 11:32 am EST
SALT LAKE CITY — A school board member has filed a federal civil-rights complaint against the Salt Lake City school district about the quality of teachers at schools in working-class neighborhoods.
Board member Michael Clara’s complaint about a high turnover of rookie teachers on the city’s west side is opening a debate about perceived inequalities in education.
The Civil Rights Office of the U.S. Department of Education says it will investigate the complaint.
Clara says district data shows west-side schools are plagued by a high turnover of teachers that hurts education for at-risk children.
Administrators say Clara isn’t following protocol and should work to improve education for all.
Clara says he’s tried to bring up a discussion at board meetings but was shut down. He’s been on the board for only three months.