The Cincinnati Federation of Teachers filed an unfair labor practice charge Friday with the State Employee Relations Board, after a Cheviot kindergarten teacher was “administratively transferred” to Quebec Heights School.

        Damaris Holocher was told Dec. 21, the last day of school before holiday break, that she would teach first grade at Quebec Heights when classes resumed Jan. 2, said Dean Dennis, a CFT field representative.

        The transfer notice came two days after Ms. Holocher filed three grievances with the union about operations at the school. District officials say the transfer had nothing to do with the grievances.

        The situation has upset some parents because children lost a veteran teacher halfway through the school year. The union is crying foul and the administration says it is doing what's best for all students.

        “This is an issue about the employee's presence at the school not being conducive to the learning environment,” said John Concannon, district attorney.

        “This is a professional issue. This is not a personality conflict,” Mr. Concannon said.

        Union officials say the transfer is retaliation for the teacher filing grievances and challenging Principal Maria Bonavita's authority.

        Mr. Concannon said the transfer was discussed before the grievances were filed.

        Ms. Bonavita requested the transfer Dec. 6, in a letter to Deputy Superintendent Rosa Blackwell. In the letter, Ms. Bonavita said Ms. Holocher lacked “positive interpersonal-relationships among colleagues” and a commitment to the school's instructional program.

        Ms. Bonavita is a new principal at Cheviot. She referred questions to the district.

        A group of parents say they want Ms. Holocher, who has taught kindergarten at Cheviot for 17 years, back in the classroom. Some parents plan to attend Monday's Board of Education meeting to ask that Ms. Holocher be returned to Cheviot School.

        In a meeting Thursday with Superintendent Steven Adamowski, parents were told that a new teacher with four years of substitute teaching experience was hired.

        “I went from my daughter being taught by a teacher with nearly 20 years' experience to having one with no experience,” said Christina Walsh, whose daughter Julia attends Cheviot. “I'd like to have my daughter's teacher back.”

        Amy Morand, whose daughter Grace attends Cheviot, said she feels let down by the district, and is worried that a mid-year teacher switch could happen again.

        “My personal opinion is that adults and professional educators should be able to work this out without disrupting the lives of 27 5- and 6-year-olds,” Mrs. Morand said.

        Rick Beck, CFT president, said the transfer disrupts students and teachers in both buildings, and did not follow the union's bargaining agreement.

        “The transfer has been done,” Mr. Concannon said. “As far as I'm concerned, this is over.”

        Union officials said a larger concern is schools governing themselves as the district continues to decentralize operations.

        “As we empower more and more schools, it will be their obligation to talk about professional issues and school governance,” Mr. Dennis said.

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