Dist. 300 approves job cuts

A number of Community Unit District 300 staff, teachers and administrators will not be returning to the district for the 2011-12 school year — some for budgetary reasons, others for disciplinary reasons.

The school board Monday approved resolutions to cut 26 positions to help achieve a balanced budget. The district is attempting to trim about $8.5 million.

Monday's cuts included 27 full-time positions, five of which the district expects to recall before the start of the new school year. The 22 net reductions will save the district about $1.2 million, including unemployment payments, the district said.

Some of the teachers could be called back to work if funding becomes available this summer, or if student enrollment exceeds expectations.

Two administrator jobs have been cut. In addition, the district released two counselors. The district had slated the elimination of three counseling positions, but one counselor is retiring.

“This typically happens at this time of year,” board member Karen Plaza said. “Especially for nontenured teachers.”

School leaders said deadlines for releasing teachers and administrators are looming and action needed to be taken to comply with state statutes and contractual obligations.

The board also approved the reduction in force of six special education supervisors. These positions were not eliminated; rather, the six staff members will be reassigned in other capacities in the district.

The board also released 14.6 teaching positions related to performance and also approved the resignations of four teachers in lieu of discharge. These positions will be refilled.

Monday's reductions are not expected to be the last in the district. Superintendent-elect Michael Bregy briefly discussed his proposal to restructure secondary schools in the 2011-12 school year. That plan could include a number of additional staff reductions.

“We are looking at possible changes and reductions,” Bregy said. “Because we are a K-through-12 district, there is an impact to every level when there are changes.”

Details of the further layoffs were not available Monday. The district would hold a special meeting likely later this month to discuss and take action on the proposed restructuring of secondary schools.

“It is troubling and unsettling, but we have to do what we have to do to keep options open,” school board President Joe Stevens said.