UPDATED: Dallas ISD layoffs to come today — they swear

by PegNews wire

Whaddya mean I'm fired?

The Dallas ISD will finally lay off around 450 teachers today, a day later than scheduled after flaws were found in the original layoff plan. What flaws, you say? Seems that the list that DISD administrators had and the list school principals had didn't quite match. At least they (hopefully) fixed the problem before the wrong person got the axe.

Parents are naturally worried that the layoffs will negatively affect their children, as some kids will lose their teachers altogether and class sizes could grow as a result, although the majority of the layoff will affect those with probationary contracts or those who have job performance issues.

UPDATE: Here's the memo:

DALLAS ISD IMPLEMENTS REDUCTION IN FORCE

Superintendent: Sad Day Throughout District

DALLAS–The Dallas Independent School District implemented a reduction in force today by releasing employees from their positions, including approximately 375 teachers. The job cuts are necessary to avoid a projected $84 million deficit.

“Today is a day of tremendous sadness throughout the district,” said Superintendent of Schools Michael Hinojosa. “These teachers and counselors are people who devoted themselves to helping Dallas students and we will do everything within our power to help them find new jobs.”

All totaled, approximately 375 teachers representing 3% of the district’s more than 11,500 teachers were released from their positions. Approximately 40 assistant principals and counselors were released as well. Approximately 460 teachers were transferred to other schools within the district.

Last week, 152 at-will employees, including clerks, office managers and teacher assistants were laid off. On September 29th , 62 central staff members were released from their positions. The combination of job cuts and unfilled vacancies will result in a net savings of approximately $30 million. An additional $38 million is being saved by cutting various programs throughout the district.

“As I have indicated before, these extreme cost-cutting measures will not completely resolve the projected budget deficit,” said Hinojosa. “During the course of the next several weeks, we will continue to work with the board to recommend and implement additional savings.”

The district has worked with Workforce Solutions, the United Way and the Dallas Regional Chamber to put together a job fair for all released employees to be held next Tuesday, October 21 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Dallas Convention Center. More than 110 employers will be sending recruiting representatives, including 60 school districts.

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Posted by Alex B.