For two school years, a teacher a La Jolla High School has been paid leave. Now, the question is whether she continue to be on paid leave for a third school year, or head back to the classroom.
According to public records, Emma Zink makes more than $119,000 a year in pay and benefits.
The San Diego Unified School District (SDUSD) says Zink is fighting to keep her job in the classroom, and her case is making its way through a lengthy process.
The district says because it is a personnel issue, they cannot reveal the reason why Zink is no longer in the classroom or where the process currently stands.
But some parents are questioning the process.
“It shouldn't take two years to remove any teacher,” said Alice Mitchell from La Jolla, speaking in general terms. She then added: “With respect to the one you're talking about, we just don't know why it's taking that long. So you have to admit, once you know the whole story, it's possible the amount of time is reasonable."
NBC 7 filed a public records act request for a petition signed by La Jolla High School parents who wanted Zink out at any cost.
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Some comments described Zink as unqualified to teach, a bully who rules her class with intimidation.
“Zink represents everything we don't want in educators,” one parent wrote.
In the petition, there were also references to a cell phone video of Zink allegedly grabbing a student. She was then escorted off campus.
But Zink’s supporters say she is a great teacher who just wants discipline and order in her classroom.
NBC 7 spoke to folks at the Promiscuous Fork in La Jolla who do not know Zink.
“Two years! It shouldn’t take that long,” said Fatimah Hemphill.
“They should either fire her or make a decision,” said her sister Fatia Fouts.
SDUSD Board member Dr. Michael McQuary said he cannot talk specifically about this case
“However, the general concern is a major one for me, as is with others across the nation,” he said.
McQuary told NBC 7, he is working with all the major organizations to improve the teacher evaluation process.
