Apr 14, 2009 3:06 pm US/Eastern
Over 100 Pink Slips Handed Out To Andover Teachers
ANDOVER (WBZ) ―
In Andover, 123 teachers received pink slips on Tuesday, warning them that their jobs could be cut. The superintendent faces at least a $3.2 million shortfall, and is concerned that the situation could get worse.
She says not all 123 will lose their jobs, but she must give the warning to teachers with less than three years at the town's schools by April 15.
Dr. Claudia Bach says, "It's the worse I've known in my 11 years here as a Superintendent. These are devastating cuts for us that will alter our programs. Lots and lots of people will be affected."
Dr. Bach is recommending 55 full time position cuts in the school department, 15 to 20 of those could be teachers. "Most of all, it affects our kids… Our children will see very different kinds of programs next year if this budget goes forward."
Dr. Bach is recommending a cut of seven teachers at Andover High School, which she says could impact class size. At the middle school level, she recommended cutting librarians and counselors. And at elementary school level, her cuts included eliminating the health program, and cutting back on physical education and music.
Dr. Bach met with legislative leaders at the Statehouse this morning and says the fiscal situation at the state is troubling as well. The news is going to be not good at all. The revenues are down from the estimated picture from even one to two months ago. "They're looking at even a greater shortfall so I'm expecting to see even more dire news form the state."
She says if the federal stimulus money comes in sooner than expected, she could save 10 jobs.
Dr. Bach is meeting with the teachers union today. She says if every union agrees to a wage freeze, than they can avoid all of the layoffs.
The budget is now in the hands of the school committee.
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