The state ruled that I’m disqualified from receiving unemployment compensation even though I was forced to resign. I wrote a detailed account of what happened, but they said I had no reason to quit. I had to receive treatment for anxiety and depression due to the actions of the principal. They believed her lies over my truths. I also asked the school board for an appeal per the employee handbook, but they refused to even hear me. They, instead, took the school administration’s account as truth. They NEA was going to help me, but my check for dues bounced along with several others. I’ve been unable to find work, we’re almost out of food, my car’s broken down, and social services refused to let me apply for food stamps. The principal and school district set me up and the employment commision basically called me a liar. What kind of country is this when people hurt people purposely? I’m going to be forced to sue the school district and school board but I don’t have money to pay my attorney’s retainer fee. Money is all this country is about isn’t it? When you have no money everyone comes after you and nobody believes you. I have one car broken down and the other on the verge of repo. The decision of the employment commision was nasty in tone. It said that there was no reason for me to quit my job. I nearly had a heart attack and was close to suicide because of the way I was treated, yet this is no reason? I wrote the letter to the school board, yet I copied it from a draft my lawyer composed. He based it on state and federal labor law and it told them how my rights had been violated and that I wanted to appeal to the board. They ignored my letter and accepted the district’s version. I’ve found more documentation since my original filing. I have it in writing with the principal’s signature where she threatened to fire me. She said I would be fired on the 24th and she forced me to sign a resignation letter on the 21st. They school district even lied to the employment commision when they claimed that I wrote the resignation letter and turned it in. I have not written such a letter and I never turned one in. Matter of fact, I stopped by an arttorney’s office after I left school that day. They told me to write the district and refuse to resign and to request another position. I wrote the district in e-mail and did that. They never responded. I need some money to get some food and pay the bills but I don’t know where to get it. I need the money for my lawyer so he can begin filing the lawsuits.
Re: Disqualified
I got a bit confused. Have you or haven’t you quit work? They can’t force you to resign. They have to fire you for something. If you are having trouble with Panic attacks, anxiety, depression, then see a psychiatrist. I am bipolar and I receive disability from the state. Maybe that could be an option. Just don’t quit make them fire you. If you have already quit then you will have trouble getting help. As for food, Please check with a local church or civic organization. They are usually happy to help a family in need. Some churches even have a food closet just for such needs. I hope you get your situation resolved quickly. Prayers coming out to you.
Re: Disqualified
Whew! Been there done that.
I was a council appointee for my city. My job was very prominent. After two years they got me in the back romm and tried to make me resign. I refused and told them all to make sure they all got good nights rests. I had to not only challenge them but now my ADHD was in for the biggest challenge of my life.
I worked for about two weeks. Had my office broken into and chemicals stolen. They did a suppoed internal investigation.
I then went to work one night for a meeting and had to run to my office for something. I was surprised that my office was locked. All doors.
I went to the meeting and talked to a councilman who was there. I asked him if he knew of anything that was going on. He said “I do know that Deniss mazzario is out to get you”
I was able to get into my office the next morning by asking the janitor to unlock the door and to give me the key. He unlocked the door but refused to give me the key.
Meanwhile I got my lawyer. he told me to record EVERYTHING on paper.
That very night I was on my way to my office and passed a council man. Said hi, how ya doing and all that. Went to my office and on my desk was a letter and two paychecks. It was a letter of suspension with pay.
All through this I was clueless. Just plain clueless.
I took my checks, letters and some files (illeagal) I was then served papers to appear for a televised hearing at the council room.
I fought them. I got the best lawyer there was. I got him all the publicity he needed. I knew many in the field that helped me with the publicity.
I fought them for ten years. Because in between all of this before I was fired, I fell down a whole flight of stairs. So i was applying for workers comp.
I was awarded back my job in six months, but was never able to return. They were however ordered by the judge to keep my position opened untl my tenure was up (another two years) also they could not pay anyone what my earnings were and they also had to destroy all files and microfilms pertaining to the case and if anyone called in regards to my position and work record it would be an excelent report. I have had people check periodicaly.
During the ten years I was on wrokers comp and won every case. They took me to court each month and never once did they win a case.
NOW, I have some precidence cases that your lawyer may want to use as a referance in court.
In fact a woman that was on Larry King about 7 years ago used my case in court and won.
Don’t give up. I will be more then happy to share my name with you in another way than on this post. You name it and you will have my email.
Just do not give up. You can’t give up.
Hi David,
Thanks for sharing. I know the feeling. Have you gone to your union?
You need to do that AND
KEEP COPIES OF ALL YOUR LETTERS AND EMAILS AND ONES YOU RECEIVE FORM ANYONE…THE SCHOOL, THE DISTRICT, THE UNEMPLYMENT DEPT. GET A FILE FOLDER FOR EACH AND KEEP THEM TOGETHER EVEN IF IT IS IN A LARGE FREEZER BAG.
Asking for another position may be a good idea. I hope you get it. Refuse to resign. Ask unemployment for a hearing. You are intitled to it. Usually you will win something, even if there is a longer waiting period.
But try to get your job back somewhere. Also get a therapist or counselor to helpwith moral support, ideas, feedback on letters before you mail them.
You could substitute teach in the mean time.????
I hope others post with ideas. I don’t know all the details of your situation.
It is common to feel depressed about this..Basically really MAD as hell.
Don’t let ‘em get you that mad though that you are not able to work on this situation. Have you considered alternative work? Private schools?
I will check back into this site in a day or two.
Take care,
Ann G.