Schools

UPDATED: Berkley Board Discusses Possible Layoffs of 45 Teachers

Students speak up at a study session Monday night at the Avery Center that focuses on cuts and changes the Berkley School District is considering as it anticipates a significant reduction in state revenue sharing funds.

OAK PARK – The Board of Education discussed the tentative layoffs of 45 teachers in the , along with other possible cutbacks, during its study session Monday night at the Avery Center.

The grim discussion came as the district grapples with what could be significant cuts to state revenue sharing funds if Gov. Rick Snyder's proposed K-12 budget is approved. The governor's plan, coupled with increased costs for health care and retirees, could cost the district approximately $1,000 per pupil, officials have said.

Snyder's 2012 fiscal year projections include a $1.4 billion general fund shortfall for the state of Michigan, which he is working to close through a series of proposed cuts and changes that include altering the way Michigan's 1994 Proposal A school funding law is implemented. The plan would shift $195.9 million worth of dedicated K-12 funding to community colleges and $699.7 million of funding to higher education. 

Find out what's happening in Huntington Woods-Berkleywith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The proposed budget cuts could have the following repercussions, district administrators said Monday night:

  • Extensive layoffs: Forty-five teachers could receive layoff notices as soon as next week. Click here (and scroll down) to see a list of the teachers who could be laid off, by hire date and building. 
  • Schedule and class changes: could switch from a block schedule to a six- or seven-period schedule.
  • Split classes: Elementary students in multiple grades could be grouped in classes together with one teacher.
  • Reduction of some special classes at the elementary level: Impacted subjects would include music, physical education, art and media.
  • Larger class sizes
  • Separation incentive plan: Eligible teachers have until June 16 to decide whether they'd like to take a buyout and leave the district. This option could reduce unemployment costs and save money vs. trimming staff via layoffs.

On Friday, the district sent letters to inform 45 teachers they soon could receive layoff notices. Official notices will not be sent until the board takes action during its regular board meeting May 9, Superintendent Michael Simeck said.

Find out what's happening in Huntington Woods-Berkleywith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Students who attended the board study session Monday weren't waiting for the official notices to voice their objections to the proposed layoffs.

A half-dozen members of the robotics team spoke during the public comment portion of the meeting in support of coach Joel Bergeron, who also teaches science at BHS and is among the 45 teachers who could be laid off.

BHS junior Adam Derington delivered an eloquent and impassioned defense of the arts in general and the robotics team specifically. "Above all, I wanted to stand in support of teachers," he said, adding that he will be 18 next year and will remember those who stand up for educators when he has the opportunity to vote.

The board sympathized with the students and noted the irony that the meeting was being held at the start of Teacher Appreciation Week. Trustee Ryan O'Gorman also explained that teachers on the list aren't there because of performance, but rather because of a contractual formulation.

"I see names on this list that are an incredible loss to this district," he said.

Simeck echoed that sentiment and added that 33 of the 45 teachers who could be laid off are represented by money that the governor has proposed shifting from the school aid fund to community colleges and higher education.

"These are people that we've worked like crazy to bring here," Simeck said. "I'm beyond disgusted that we are driven to this."

He strongly urged community members to speak up if the propsed K-12 budget does not match up with their values.

"There are not an insignificant number of first-term legislators that are seriously concerned about whether they can support the governor on this because they are concerned about their seats," Simeck said. "Community pressure can make a difference."

Click here if you would like to contact legislators about the proposed K-12 funding cuts.


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