REYNOLDSBURG, Ohio (WCMH) -- Reynoldsburg City Schools laid off 51 teachers this week, part of major budget cuts after a November levy failed.
After voters rejected the district's levy, Reynoldsburg schools were forced to cut $8.5 million from its operating budget. District Executive Director of Communications Valerie Wunder confirmed 51 teachers were notified this week they would not be returning, effective next school year.
"Throughout the winter months, the administration worked collaboratively with the Reynoldsburg Board of Education to determine how to address deficit spending," Wunder said. "This was a difficult decision to make to address deficit spending."
According to state data, the district employs around 550 teachers. In February, Reynoldsburg cut $8.3 million by reducing staff, delaying expenses wherever possible and implementing pay to participate fees for athletics, $400 for junior high and $500 for high school. The district is still short of the $8.5 million it needs to cut.
Staff have been aware dozens of teachers would be let go since February, although individual teachers were not alerted until Thursday. The impacted teachers were called down to the office and notified during the school day, so students were among the first to learn of the cuts. Parents told NBC4 they had only heard of the cuts from the children, and have not received word from the school.
“My high schoolers were saying, ‘Hey, Mom, I cannot believe this, but they're calling teachers down and they're letting them know that they will not have a job next year.’ And my children were absolutely devastated,” Reynoldsburg parent Danielle Tolkendorf said.
Other staff cuts include eliminating five elementary assistant principal positions, and cutting three central office workers. In March, the district opted not to fill two open social worker positions and cut three current workers, reducing district social workers from 12 to seven. See previous coverage in the video player above.
Wunder said the district is obligated to follow the reduction in force policies laid out in their agreement with the teachers' union.
Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( Reynoldsburg City Schools cuts 51 teachers in $8.5M budget cuts after levy fails )
Also on site :
- Today’s NYT ‘Strands’ Hints, Spangram and Answers for Sunday, June 8
- At least 40 hospitalised after suspected food poisoning in western Iraq
- NYT Connections Sports Edition Today: Hints and Answers for June 8