Help if you can: New contract signed but I still have fear and uncertainty.

[bisp13]

So last week my co-teacher helped me get my new contract for September 1st 2011-12 all in order.  Both myself and the principal have signed it.  Today my co-teacher tells me that something has to be double checked with "the educational office" (whatever that is).  I know that my school is funded by the local city hall and not through GEPIK but I'm wondering if my school can back out on the new contract that has already been signed.  I appreciate anyone's advice on this.

[jrwhite82]

I would imagine as long as they gave you 30 days notice they can do whatever they want.  They don't even need to give you 30 days notice technically.  They could fire you tomorrow and pay you for 30 days and legally be ok.

[no1really]

I guess GEPIK is saying that once the contract is signed, the school cannot back out. I don't know if that is true. My school is also funded through City Hall, not GEPIK. I signed the 'intent to renew' form but no contract. I just found out that there is no money for us at City Hall. I'm not sure if you can fight City Hall for the money with a signed contract like you can with GEPIK. If the news is bad, you might as well try.

I hope you have better news than I did.

[gayageum]

I guess GEPIK is saying that once the contract is signed, the school cannot back out.

I choose to mutually back out of a signed contract (partial provincial funding). My school couldn't cover that which was previously funded by the province. Thus, I figured why potentially create animosity? I'll leave and take my good references.

{rant}
Because I was a September renewal at the same school, I was not required to have a national CBC. Thus, I never requested one. This leaves me high and dry. I have no choice but to leave Korea. Gyeonggi Provincial Council, FTW!
{/rant}

[cruisemonkey]

Of course they can back out. The contract doesn't take effect until the start date. After that date they have to give you 30 days notice (or pay in lieu) to get rid of you.

Look what SMOE did to 150 people with contracts two years ago - approximately a week before the NETs were to arrive in K-land for orientation, SMOE told them not to come, everything was cancelled and they had no job. People had spent months and hundreds of dollars aquiring documents and their visas. Many were left holding non-refundable air tickets. SMOE just said "Sorry... too bad."  ::)

[no1really]

I can understand your fear and uncertainty. It still may work out for you.

I was shot down twice! First, by my current school who wanted to renew with me but found out last minute they couldn't. Then, I scrambled and found another GEPIK job in days, was offered the position and sent the contract, only to find out two days later that the second school lost funding too.

[gookway]

wow at above post.  That's just crazy stuff.  Sounds like GEPIK or Gyeonggi Province is NOT THE WAY TO GO.  Too much financial insecurities and broken contracts.  I signed a 1 yr renewal just last month, but now got told today they have to adjust my contract to just Dec due to "maybe" no funding in Jan.