Cary school district approves teacher layoffs

With the deadline fast approaching for notifying teachers of layoffs, the Cary District 26 school board approved cutting 14½ full-time positions. The cuts now make way for the district to implement the second part of its two-tiered plan to balance its budget, if needed.

Board members voted 6-0 Monday to dismiss the positions for economic reasons and reduced enrollment. Board member Chris Jenner was absent.

The layoffs affect teachers in contract services, part-time teachers and first-year probationary teachers. They also include fourth-year probationary teachers and one teacher reassigned from a full-time position to half-time.

Superintendent Brian Coleman read the list of names aloud during the meeting but would not provide a copy of the list to news media. A Freedom of Information Act request was required to obtain the list of names.

“We have had some very challenging meetings this year involving some very difficult financial decisions to try to right district’s the financial position,” Coleman said. “It has been trying on staff, the board, parents and community. When we struggle with financial issues, the hardest decisions to make are those involving staff. ... Those people made District 26 what it is today.”

The layoffs were part of the school district’s two-tiered plan to save at least $2.1 million in the 2011-12 school year. Earlier this month, the district approved first tier cuts by trimming about $3.2 million from its budget, which included $2.5 million in wage and benefit concessions from the Cary Education Association. Those reductions also included laying off 5½ teachers. Although the concessions were approved, the board and union have not come to an agreement.

If those concessions are not met, the district could implement second tier cuts, which include cutting another eight positions — part of Monday’s action — and closing another school. Board President Chris Spoerl said the district would make the decision on a school closing in May.

In addition, board member Vicki Pesch said the board was backed into a legal obligation to provide reduction in force notices to teachers, which allows the district to recall certain teachers if another source of funding is obtained.

“We would hate to get so far in the process and lose the ability to remain flexible,” said Pesch.