Cincinnati's Federation of Teachers threatened Wednesday to withdraw support for the school district's plan to redesign failing schools if a principal is allowed to reapply for his job.

        At issue is the restructuring of Burton School and Phil Wylie's application to remain as principal.

        Schools undergo redesign after three years of poor performance, at which point a school gets all new teachers, a new principal and a new educational plan.

        Rick Beck, union president, said the district should not allow Mr. Wylie to retain his job.

        “The whole process is based on not blaming any individuals for the school's failure, but insisting that the schools gets a fresh start,” Mr. Beck said. “If we let the old principal return, it's the same as saying everything must be the teachers' fault. It's betraying the whole process,” Mr. Beck said.

        Superintendent Steven Adamowski said all staff members at redesigned schools are always allowed to reapply for their jobs.

        “I send a letter to principals, telling them I recommend their school be closed and that they and their staff can apply for jobs at the new school,” Mr. Adamowski said.

        “Some elect to reapply, some don't, but in each and every case every person has had the opportunity to reapply,” Mr. Adamowski said.

        Agreements between the union and the district allow teachers to reapply for their jobs at redesigned schools.

        But Mr. Beck said the plan assumes the teachers will be interviewed by a new principal, who will judge them on their training and qualifications, not past relationships.

        School board member Florence Newell, who heads a committee on personnel issues, said the district and the union need to clarify rules for principal selection at redesigned schools.

        “My feeling is that everyone could reapply for their jobs when schools are redesigned,” Ms. Newell said. “Some are hired back and some are not.”

        There are teachers who have regained their jobs at redesigned schools. Windsor School hired back several, as did Bond Hill Academy and Parham School.

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