Seattle Public Schools Superintendent Maria L. Goodloe-Johnson, confirmed today, May 15, that the School district is implementing a layoffs in response to an estimated $34 million budget shortfall for 2009 and 2010.
The layoffs will affect approximately 172 teachers and other certificated staff (approximately 5 percent of the total certificated workforce), although Goodloe-Johnson said she was optimistic that retirements and resignations would allow the district to recall a number of the individuals who are being laid off.
“Closing a $34 million budget gap requires a combination of strategies,” said Goodloe-Johnson in a statement released Friday.
She noted that the district has already implemented a number of budget-cutting strategies, including a reduction in central office staff, hiring freezes, increased efficiencies in operations such as transportation and nutrition services, closing schools, a responsible use of reserves, and freezing cost-of-living-adjustments.
“This is a very painful decision to have to make,” Goodloe-Johnson said, “We worked for many months to keep budget cuts away from the classroom. It is extremely difficult to lay off teachers and school-based staff, people who make a difference in students’ lives every day.”
Goodloe-Johnson stressed that district leaders acknowledge the dedicated work of teachers and other school staff, whose efforts are crucial to support every student's success.
The staff cuts will be implemented based on seniority within teaching or job category based on contractual agreements with the Seattle Education Association. Affected staff members subject have been informed directly, according to the district.
Seattle Public Schools plans a series of counseling and resource supports for staff who receive layoff notices.
“We deeply regret that we must implement a reduction in force,” said Goodloe-Johnson said. “My staff and I have worked hard to keep cuts as far away from the classroom as possible, and we will continue to develop strategies to support our students, classrooms and schools.
