Time is never on your side, when you’re suffering from a debilitating disease like ALS. It’s also something an Upton teacher, who was diagnosed with ALS in October, thought he’d have more of at his job.
Phillip LeMarbre has taught biology at Blackstone Valley Regional Vocational Technical High School for more than nine years. But after he went out on medical leave and ran out of sick days, the school committee voted to terminate him just 103 days short of reaching the 10-year milestone — the one that would give him full pension and benefits including health and life insurance.
Phillip’s wife Jessica LeMarbre and daughters Danielle Sullivan and Allie Lavallee joined Jim to share their story.
A representative of the school was invited on the show, but declined. Instead, the school sent a statement to Greater Boston saying:
“Mr. LeMarbre has been a valued member of the Valley Tech staff for almost 10 years. The District has done everything possible for him within the confines of the law, local and State policies. The issue that has been discussed publicly by his family touches on a confidential personnel matter. We will not be commenting on the issue.”
For more information about Phil LeMarbre's fight, visit the family's Facebook page here.
