Can a teacher with a continuing contract and coaching agreement be forced to sign a new one?

So, I have a continuing teaching contract, but they want me to sign a new contract because my coaching job is getting tied to it. My coaching position is at-will and supplemental right now, but if this changes, can they force me to sign something new? Or do I have options to avoid this? I want to keep my current contract if possible, but I’m not sure what my rights are here.

I think if your contract is continuous, they can’t just change it without your consent unless there’s a specific clause about changes. You could refuse to sign a new one, but it might risk your coaching role. What exactly are they trying to change about it?

@Hux
They want to tie my teaching job to the coaching one, so it’s no longer supplemental. IDK if I can refuse that without risking both jobs.

Gale said:
@Hux
They want to tie my teaching job to the coaching one, so it’s no longer supplemental. IDK if I can refuse that without risking both jobs.

Ah, gotcha. That sounds tricky. But if it’s not a unilateral change in your contract, they’d need your consent. Maybe look over your current contract and see if they can force it?

Yeah, I agree with DEF. You might be able to negotiate terms or even refuse the new contract if they don’t have the right to modify it. What do you mean by ‘dual contract’ though?

Arun said:
Yeah, I agree with DEF. You might be able to negotiate terms or even refuse the new contract if they don’t have the right to modify it. What do you mean by ‘dual contract’ though?

Oh, sorry! By ‘dual contract’ I mean my teaching job and coaching job would be tied together in one contract instead of being separate.

If they’re making changes to your current job, you should definitely talk to a lawyer. I don’t think they can force you into it without your agreement, but it depends on the terms.

Payton said:
If they’re making changes to your current job, you should definitely talk to a lawyer. I don’t think they can force you into it without your agreement, but it depends on the terms.

Yeah, I was thinking of consulting a lawyer too. Just wanted to see if anyone else had dealt with this first.

It sounds like they’re trying to change the nature of your coaching role. If it’s supplemental and at-will right now, that’s a big shift. Have they explained why they want to change it?

Kingsley said:
It sounds like they’re trying to change the nature of your coaching role. If it’s supplemental and at-will right now, that’s a big shift. Have they explained why they want to change it?

They didn’t go into much detail, just that they want the two roles combined into one. Not sure why, but it’s making me nervous.

I’d be careful about signing anything that ties both jobs together if you’re not comfortable with the changes. Maybe see if you can work out some kind of compromise?

West said:
I’d be careful about signing anything that ties both jobs together if you’re not comfortable with the changes. Maybe see if you can work out some kind of compromise?

Yeah, I’m definitely thinking about that. I don’t want to lose my coaching job, but I also don’t want to risk my teaching contract.