[Coda]

Well, sure, the extreme on either end is bad -- being completely unable to discipline teachers is bad, but not having job security is bad too. Poor conduct SHOULD be punished, but it needs to be done through a system of demerits and disciplinary measures, not immediate termination. Termination should be reserved for long-term, repeat offenders, or people who do something particularly egregious (like getting convicted of a felony).

I've never seen a pre-secondary school where students have never been expected to purchase their own textbooks. The district is supposed to provide the curriculum materials and students are only supposed to have to purchase consumables like paper and art supplies. The problem comes when the district requires classes to provide a certain set of materials, doesn't assign enough of a budget to buy the stuff, and then penalizes the TEACHERS when the stuff isn't there for the students.