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ACUSD Authorizes 'Intentions to Dismiss' |
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Monday, 01 March 2010 |
 Amador County – The Amador County School District Board of Trustees discussed Wednesday the inevitable implementation of drastic layoffs and other cost-saving measures because of reductions in funding from the state. Speaking before a large audience, Superintendent Dick Glock said “even the conversation is devastating and very discouraging to have to hold.” The board unanimously approved four resolutions that allow notices of possible dismissal to be sent to 56 district and 10 special education employees. A final decision must be made before a state-imposed deadline of March 15th. “There are no good outcomes to this unless we are able to rescind these layoffs at a later date,” said Glock. The State Department of Education predicts another $5.6 million is expected to be added to the difference between projected versus actual funding for Amador County education in 2010-2011, increasing the total reduction in funds to $13.9 million. “The state has given us a certain parameter of cuts and that is what we’re planning for. We can only go by what they tell us,” said Glock in an interview Friday on TSPN. He said if they laid off everyone on the list they “still would be a million dollars short” of breaking even. He said at that point the district would likely look into reducing the length of the school year or discussing wage and benefit reductions with special bargaining units. The district must also raise class sizes closer to 30 students. “We’ve tried to stave off direct cuts to the (classroom)…and now there is no other place to go other than raising class size,” said Glock. The state requires certain courses, including English, Math, Social Studies and Science, be retained as essential in order for students to be eligible to graduate. The survival of elective courses, on the other hand, depends on enrollment. “The electives that get to about 30 (students) will be retained and those that have less we’ll have to look at shutting down,” said Glock. Amador County Teacher's Association President Mike Delaney said his group understands that the budget cuts are out of local control and the responsibility lies with state lawmakers. He said what is needed is an “uprising to make your legislators fear for their safety (of remaining) in office.” Board President Karl Knobelauch said he never thought he would be “presiding over such a wholesale dismantling of our education system.” He called it a “very sad place the State of California has brought us to.” Story by Alex Lane
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Last Updated ( Monday, 01 March 2010 )
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