June 17, 2010
Dear Member,
I am writing to give you an update on school budget cuts. As you know, we live in unprecedented times. School departments in Massachusetts and across the country are being hit with big budget cuts as a result of the recession and declining revenues. In April and again in May the NBEA was informed that possible budget cuts were coming, but we were not provided with specifics. We informed our faculty representatives, the NBEA Board of Directors and members attending our Annual Meeting on May 26 about the threatened reductions.
On Monday, June 14, the School Committee provided more detailed projections and voted to eliminate certain positions. They are now projecting a $14.4 million shortfall in the fiscal year 2011 school department budget and on Monday night approved cuts designed to save about $7 million. They also noted that there is still a lot of uncertainty about state and federal funding. Some of the reductions made could be reversed, and, conversely, there may be additional cuts announced over the summer.
The following linked article from the Standard-Times on June 15 describes what occurred at Monday’s meeting. As you will see from that article, the largest single staff reduction approved was the elimination of 42 Math and ELA coaching positions. The committee also approved a 4 percent across-the-board cut in spending, which will have an impact on supplies, textbooks, technology and other items.
When positions are eliminated, teachers in those positions may have an opportunity to move into another position for which they are licensed, based on seniority and reduction in force language in our contract. Some of the reductions will be made by attrition – that is, by not hiring to fill vacancies. We do expect some members to lose their jobs, however, those job losses will fall hardest on our newest members.
The article also mentions savings that could be realized if school employees forego contractual raises. You should be aware that no one has formally asked us to make any such concessions.
These are very difficult times. I understand how hard it is for all our members, veteran and new members alike, to face the uncertainty, anxiety and disruption caused by budget cuts. It is also extremely unfortunate that the students in New Bedford will once again be affected by a loss of services and school programs.
The NBEA will be working hard over the summer to advocate on behalf of our schools and members. We will also be working to make sure that any reductions made are done so in accordance with the contract. We encourage members to regularly check the NBEA website over the summer since we will post updated information, including the dates of upcoming School Committee meetings. Members are encouraged to attend these meetings to learn firsthand what is being proposed and to show support for our schools. Members are also encouraged to go to the MTA website to urge members of Congress to vote for additional federal funding for public education. The federal stimulus bill helped prevent really deep school cuts last year, but those funds are running out and more is needed until the recession is truly over and state revenues rebound. Go to: www.capwiz.com/nea/issues/alert/?alertid=14952031&type=co
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call me.
Sincerely,
Lou St. John
2 comments:
I understand that budget times are tough but is it acceptable, under any circumstance, to treat people the way the coaches were treated? Just imagine learning that your position was eliminated, no matter what your job, by reading about it in the morning newspaper. How can that be acceptable? Media was notified via email the day of the meeting that cuts were being submitted. Shouldn't principals and teachers have been afforded the same courtesy? None of us were. Something to ask yourself as you ponder the treatment of our colleagues - "who will be next"? Watch the newspaper to find out!
Sad but true, happens all the time. I have many family members who live in Fall River and the exact same thing happened to them when Quaker Fabric closed. They all read about it in the morning newspaper. I happened to be there for breakfast that day. It was heartbreakingly awful...
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