Luann by Greg Evans and Karen Evans for October 27, 2021

Time to say GOODBYE to Tara!

After this fiasco, it sounds like Luann is being mistreated.

Mistreatment is in the eye of the beholder.

Looks like she chose mistreatment!

Here I sit all broken-heartedTried to think of something funnyand only farted.Burma Shave!

Smart choice, Luann! If you eventually want to leave Kids 1st…do it on YOUR terms… not Tara’s.

Welp, turns out that being the love-child of Raggedy Ann and Howdy Doody doesn’t automatically give you authority to jerk people around. Who knew?

I think Luann actually shows strength in her decision.

Principal Purgus! You big bully!

Luann is being whipsawed between two people who want her to do opposite things…

Actually, Luann loves kids. The low wages don’t bother Luann because she surrounded by people (kids) who look up to her as a Hero.

Peeps who said Luann was fired. As I said, Principal was talking to Tara when he was telling her to leave, not Luann. Now, he observed that Luann was pulled into leaving the building by Tara. He recognized that it was not of her own will. So, he goes outside and instructed her to come inside. 1. To let her know she is not fired in case she misunderstood the situation and to communicate indirectly to Tara to butt out. 2. Yes, he said it in a demanding tone because it is a serious situation and is communicating that to Luann. You know, bosses do that. 3. Luann is going back in because she knows she owes her boss an explanation and possibly a consequence – including termination. Could be he did not want to say it in front of Tara while she was standing next to Luann. He did not expect her to kidnap Luann. It was likely he was waiting for Tara to leave so he could talk to Luann but Tara inserted herself instead. Now he has to do this – call her back and finish what he needs to do as a boss. So, we will find out if she’s fired or disciplined.

LUANN you have been FIRED!!

It’s a weird situation when someone shows strength and independence by letting their boss chew them out, but Luann pulled it off. Hopefully she learns something from this experience.

Luann is a senior employee at Kids 1st. Can they afford to lose Luann?

Missed opportunity

“Laugh about it, shout about it when you got to choose,”

“Any way you look at it, you _LOSE.”_ – Simon and Garfunkel

At least Lu is getting paid for her mistreatment at Kidz First.

Or WAS.

Tara might have burned Luann’s bridge—we’ll find out over the coming week. But Luann was still a class act in turning to face the music, whatever tune might play.

This may just be the growth most of you have been expecting of Luann.

Luann is her own person, Tara. She doesn’t need to listen to you.

Looks like Luann will go inside and be given some options which likely include apologizing to the mother who reported her (who could be waiting in the office, we will see), accept a written or verbal reprimand and answer a bunch of questions from the anvil faced principal about why and how Tara ended up in front of her preschoolers with a bow and arrow set. Tara is obviously banned from the premises though it is bush league if the principal expects Luann to tell her.

Anyhow, if the principal is professional (as well as the concerned mother if she is in the office) about the situation without acting like Ann Eifel and Luann goes along, then our girl goes back to $14/hour but under probation and the wary eye of the principal. If the principal or the Mom says something out of line to Luann, then it could be time to bring out Nancy Sinatra: “These Boots Are Made For Walking”, though I suspect Luann is wearing sneakers…

Dang! Tara’s being a brat! We don’t particularly like the school administration – but actually no one is supposed to be on school grounds unless they have permission.

She may not have a choice. I have a feeling that the principal has three words for her. “Luann, you’re fired!”

Luann should hear what he has to say, then decide wether to walk.

Love the expression on Tara’s face in the last panel.

Luann has been “going along to get along” with Tara practically from the day they met. We don’t know exactly why she’s finally decided to stand up to Tara and tell her “No,” but I’m glad she has. Going forward, will she be willing to remain friends with Tara, knowing that she can now stand up for herself in that friendship, or will she decide that Tara really doesn’t have her (Luann’s) best interests at heart, and let the “friendship” die on this note?

Yes. Luann has been mistreated, but she’s still unable to see it. Now, after she has Tara pointed it at her, I think she will be able to recognize how her friend is right by hearing what Principal Mr. Worm has to say to her with that angry expression. Tara’s look at Luann going back to school is sad. She knows that her friend will suffer, but Luann needs to understand for herself. Tara’s only possibly to help her friend now is to wait and be ready to comfort her as soon as Luann comes out.

There are some people out there that remind me of those magic slates – remember those? You could write on them, and whatever you wrote or drew was visible until you lifted the top sheet, and whatever was written or drawn there disappears without a trace. Now, where I am going with this…

Luann has been there all these years, and until now, has had a good record, the kids like her, and Principal Pergus has never had an issue with her. Unless it was something that we do not know about, but I doubt it – I think she has been a good employee and good for the kids, they love her – a real asset to the school. In this case, she was wrong to let Tara run roughshod all over her, but if you look at the strips leading up to where Tara stepped over the ridiculously short fence, Luann was against Tara coming in. Then, once Tara was detected in the classroom, rather than listening for a moment to find out what really transpired, the upper sheet of Luann’s “magic slate” was lifted and all the good and wonderful things she did up until that moment disappeared without a trace. I will probably catch hell for this here, but If I worked in a place where one transgression on my part resulted in me being tried and hung without any hearing after years of good performance – I would be out of there in a New York second. Especially if it did not result in harm to anyone. There are many places out there that are desperate for people to work, pay the same or more, and Luann can continue with her education to finally end up where she wants to be. That place is not the end all / be all. Even if she changes her major (or finally establishes one), she is still young, and the whole world is out there for her. Don’t let this pull you down – go get ’em, kid.

.

Two points before I shove off for the night:

1. I know I am speaking about a cartoon character.

2. That fence around the school is a fricking joke. Anyone could reach over and take a kid. Shows they don’t give a cr…

At least Luann can think for herself.

Will Luann finally grow a backbone and tell off those who have been stepping on her for years: Bernice, Tara, that jerk principal??

The suspense is deafening!!

Let’s wait after this Wednesday bridge strip to see what happens between the boss and Luann. I could wax on how the arc developed but now what happens next with the boss doing “his” job really turns out. I think okay for Lol Luann but disappointing for Tara, but that is only one possible outcome. Wait.

Facing reprimand is not exactly facing mistreatment.

Three days left! Will Luann resign or get fired?

I think Tara is shocked she didn’t get things her way.

It’s pretty clear that Tara was never disciplined as a child.

Discipline is never welcome, but it’s essential for growth. Mistreatment is totally different.

Yeah, I don’t think I have enough context to know who’s the idiot in this situation. How bad is this job?

This is great! Even if Luann gets fired it will have been worth it, because Tara is getting rejected.

Tara will champion your cause – as long as it doesn’t effect her in any way….

Luann might want to check state regulations on ratios of kids to supervisors. At least in some states she’s being abused (and probably underpaid) for the number she’s working with by herself.

it’s called consequences.

’bout time there were some in the strip.

Life is a series of choices

I think she’ll just get a lecture since no kids were hurt

Acceptance of authoritarianism…hallmark of compliant Americans…

This looks like a show of independence from Luann. And all this righteous anger and controlling behavior from Tara seems out of character even for her! Could this be the end of their friendship?

Tara is right, Luann is being mistreated. Except it is being done by Tara.

With a principal with that hateful arrogant attitude…I’d resign right on the spot. Leaders are supposed to LEAD, not dictate and be rude.

I havent read all the comments this week but it seems that many have missed the point. Luann allowed a weapon to be brought on campus. Maybe ok in 1960 but not in 2021. She is responsible for the safety of the children. If Tara wouldnt leave she should have called security. That is her job.

She needs the paycheck.

Good for Luann! She is going on to take her lumps, instead of running away, like Tara wants her to do. That shows maturity. This is her first transgression, so she will probably be reprimanded. She will learn from her mistakes. No employee is perfect. Every employee makes mistakes sooner or later. People who become teachers, know that they won’t get rich from the job. They become teachers because it’s a calling. They love the kids and they love teaching. Oh, and if you can read, write, do basic math, you have a teacher to thank for that.

I’m shocked at all of these comments acting like Tara and Luanne aren’t in the wrong. I used to teach elementary school. I would never dare to just bring a guest into the classroom without the permission of the administration. Much less one with a weapon. I know it is not being used as a weapon and it’s perfectly suitable to talk about archery with a class- if it’s approved by the administration. This is just a commonsense rule. Even if I brought someone in to pass out snacks, it should still be approved by administration. I can’t believe people actually think that there shouldn’t be rules like this in place. This is not about Luann being miss treated. This is about being a respectful and mature adult, and it’s disappointing how many people here don’t seem to grasp that. Granted this is a college age group of people, but to cheer on the one who wants to be immature, and throw temper tantrums every time they don’t get their way? SMH

So far I don’t see any mistreatment. The principal saw something and possibly misinterpreted it. Both he and Luann are also answerable to the parents, and one of the parents – a customer – was angry. And they don’t know what the arrows were for or how they were being used. So we’ll see how this plays out in the office.

Tara: Who does this b!tch think she is?

If you want Luann to act like an adult treat her like one. No need to raise your voice in anger and demand her to come right now! I’m not saying you can’t discipline her. Just do it with respect, not like she’s a 5 year old. Even if she’s acting like one. Right now she’s just a confused young adult who is learning her way in the world. It looks to me like that woman embarrassed you.

Yep, go talk to your supervisor, Luann. This is important.

It appears the principal is a dominating male who is about to discipline a young girl.If he would act as if he respected a valuable adult employee who has been involved in a rule infraction, a conversation would probably leave both with assurances that it would never happen again. Good child care/teachers are hard to find.

The principal has been WAITING for his employee to decide to meet with him. I would be pissed too. Luann is a young person who needs a strong dose of work ethic. Maybe getting fired can give it to her.

Tara, Luann is about to get fired and it’s all your fault!

There will always be some mean bosses out there & unless you’re “self-employed” ..that’s just the reality of employment..(Yeah…PC/Woke people hate reality) But the good news is folks can: quit, resign and find greener pastures or start their own business. Now I’m done! ;^))

This guys a complete Ahole I tell him goodbye and go on my merry

EXCUSE ME!? I bet if Luann was a tall 50yr old man he wouldn’t speak that way.

I think LuAnn is being smart in this one by going back in. Don’t leave a job unless you have something else to go to. Making 14 dollars an hour is a lot better than making zero dollars an hour. Go back in, get your butt-chewed, go smile with the kids and start looking for another job. Probably the fuse is hiring. i bet they need a childrens room coordinator so that way parents can drop off their kids while they … what the heck is the fuze, a bar, a restaurant, a show place ….

ooooo … shouting the word NOW and pointing your finger – not very professional.

The school building moved or they did! ;-)This principal seems to be unnecessarily gruff. I don’t remember Luann ever standing up to an authority figure, but I hope she does get a chance here, before she quits.

Tara is the only person who is mistreating Luann. Glad she goes inside instead of staying with Tara.

Difficult decision for Principal Pergus,I would like to know if there is a procedure for having guest speakers in place. Luann in the past has had Jack visit to talk about fitnes with no mention of said procedure or policy.Pergus may have to deal with a parent who equates arrows with teaching warfare, but he also has to deal with an underpaid college student who has gone above and beyond working with kids with no recognition. Remember how incompetent Tiffany was in working with kids?If Pergus is smart he will dial back the attitude with Luann and hopefully realize how difficult she would be to replace.This can go sideways really quickjly

When you receive the consequences of your actions, you are not being mistreated. You are getting the treatment you chose to have.

For having an uninvited, unapproved guest on school grounds: First warning reprimand.

For allowing said guest to have weapons (yes, don’t quibble): A one-week suspension without pay. (The Trouble With Quibbles is that they multiply incessantly and are annoying, and not even cuddly.)

For walking out of the boss’ office in the first place: Fired, pack up your things.

I hope Luann does not defend Tara to the principal. It does not make Luann look good to have such irresponsible friends. Any boss would wonder about Luann’s judgment if she chooses to hang around someone like Tara.

Too bad Tara is so anti everything…As Iviax says, Luann can speak up for herself and still win.

Perhaps the principal is being extra stern because he knows it is the only way to get meek Luann out of Tara’s grip. Maybe he will be much gentler with her when Tara is gone and no longer a threat to Luann.

Let’s talk about abusive management. Not how you treat “Valued employees”. Or better yet “team members”. Not surprising school systems are having a difficult time hiring, keeping and supporting teaching staff (my profession of choice for 25+ years).

In reality at most schools if not all both would have been arrested And yes bearing Arrows while wandering around a school yard after jumping a fence would be prohibited in my home state of Texas

With friends like Tara …

“Okay, but just because you asked so nicely.”

(“Or that I expect a lucrative settlement after a future harassment charge.” muttered under breath…)

Something tells me Luann’s about to get fired.

Nice look of disbelief on Tara’s face in the last panel.

I love how she stood up to Tara. Now, I hope Tara didn’t cost Luann her job. Maybe Tara will finally learn to take responsibility for her actions. NOT!

Tara’s right, teaching brats is a dead end job. Lu should tell the jerk principle to go shove it. Lu did nothing wrong!

Despite what Tara says she only thinks and cares about herself

Here’s my question: Which Luann just followed that guy into his office? An adult or the arrested development teenager? We’ve seen both, but this will be interesting.

Oh boo-hoo, Tara. You don’t get to convert someone to your self indulgent, entitled, anti-social religion today.

Baaaa. Baaaaa.

Tara reminds me of some of my estranged, arrogant, in-laws, lost and gone forever to their toxic waste dump.

If Luann were a teacher, she would be reprimanded at least, and fired if she knew the rules and ignored them. Luann is not a teacher, though. She is a day care worker at near entry-level wages, likely not certified in any way. This can work for her or against her, but it really depends on what she knew before this lapse in judgement. If she wasn’t aware of the rules, then they will certainly be explained now (and it’s an admin error). Also, if she’s properly contrite, that would help. If she tries to actually defend her misconduct or worse, like blaming the parent, then… well, it’ll be a good life lesson. Parents have rights. Also, they are by-far the most invested people here, regardless of the level of their reaction.

Luann needs to keep her job, but she should have pushed back immediately when Tara started climbing over the fence. Luann comes across as passive and needing to understand the liability issues in her position. Tara may be aggressive and pushy but this likely comes from living on her own. These two could learn a little from each other.

I think if my boss summoned me like that, I’d walk away and never return. Fortunately my boss is the kind of guy who, if he needs to “discuss” something, will ask me quite deferentially to come to his office.

The phrasing “Office! Now!” is decidedly unfriendly. What would be a Evens misdirection™ is of the kids were defending Luann and asking her to return.

Couple of things: one, Luann is a college student working a part-time job; I doubt getting fired for this kind of questionable crap (‘teaching warfare to her kid"???) is going to doom her career choices; two, the boss (who’s coming across as a real jerk) is creating an hostile work environment with his physically threatening and overly aggressive behavior. IF Luann is smart, her first phone call is to the appropriate HR section and her second to a good employment lawyer.

Got a feeling — or hope — that Tara planted a seed here.

So what happens next? Luann fired? Warned?

We haven’t seen Luann at work in months. We wondered if she still had a job. $14/hr to care for 20 or so kids by herself? I don’t think so. She isn’t even licensed to have that kind of responsibility. As a parent, I would not bring my child to this place. It makes no sense. Tara did raise the issue of being paid your worth, but she was unauthorized to be there. With a weapon. Luann did not stop Tara when she knew she should have. That means consequences. The principal could be less of an a$$#ole, though. Treat your employees with respect. Luann has been a beloved caregiver and they are hard to come by. She should seek a better salary and employer elsewhere.

Meekly, Luann turned….

Tara is disappointed; so also am I.

Luann’s just lucky that he can’t transfer her to a weather station school in Northern Greenland. :-/

Is this perhaps the Evans’ commentary on the Great Resignation? When was the last time the economy got bad, but the job market remained so wide open? COVID has made people re-think the role of work in their lives, and the actions of many have now served to make it an employee’s job market.

I had a boss talk to me like this once. I looked him straight in the eye, and said “You are my supervisor, not my father, and you will never talk like that to me AGAIN.” He never did.

Whatever happens next has a pretty good chance of being weird.