Thursday, August 13, 2009

NJ Teacher To Pay $22K Fine For Phone Call

It's true, read some of the story:
NJ Teacher To Pay $22K Fine For Phone Call
Asbury Park Teacher To Pay Large Fine For 4-Minute Call Made During Class

Her lawyer says a New Jersey teacher won't appeal a $22,000 fine for making a four-minute personal call in class. Attorney Stephen Hunter says Desley Getty acknowledges she made a mistake.
The 120-day salary forfeiture will be based on calendar days and will be deducted from a base salary of about $70,000.

A couple of thoughts:
  • I made $19,000 in my first year of teaching in Clinton, Mississippi.  She's being fined more than I made that entire year.
  • $70,000 is a great salary for a teacher.  no teacher makes close to that in alabama.
  • $22,000 seems a little excessive for a phone call during class, eh?

7 comments:

Madi said...

Holy carps, that's a lot of money for 4 minutes. I also find it a bit asinine to fine that much for something so small.

Anonymous said...

I don't understand at all... I mean, obviously she shouldn't have been on the phone, but taking a large percentage of her salary because of it? Perhaps she signed some sort of agreement prior to taking the job and that's why she doesn't want to appeal it.

That suuuuuuuuuuuuuuucks.

Chris Barbee

Anonymous said...

Oh, also, I looked at that salary chart. Does that apply to college professors as well? I really hope not.

Chris Barbee

Nicholaus Cummins said...

I think $70,000 in NJ is actually based on standard of living costs...property,sales, and state income taxes are pretty high there...however, I think this fine is beyond the pale of excessive. It is almost as bad as the new alabama teacher ethics codes Bob Riley signed which seem draconian. Anyhow, I can see a day's pay in fines...but 22K...that is essentially 1/4. Wow.

ryan said...

maybe you should fine brian d for texting! just saying...lol..
sorry brian, but i remember it being a habit in Bcc practice. :D

Unknown said...

BRIAN QUIT BRIAN QUIT BRIAN QUIT...that is a memorable ringtone:)

Brian said...

OH MY GOODNESS! I don't think I'll ever live that down. Hopefully I won't get any ringtones made in my "honor" this year.