Berkley Board of Education OKs 45 Teacher Layoffs

OAK PARK – The Board of Education approved the layoffs of 45 teachers during its meeting Monday night. Officials said they expect to call back some of the educators, although just how many will depend on a variety of factors, chief among them the state budget.

Because state K-12 funding is still in flux, the district is moving forward in its budget process under the assumption that Gov. Rick Snyder's proposed $470-per-student cut will pass, Berkley Communications Supervisor Shira Good said. In that case, 28 teachers from the layoff list will not be called back, she said. However, all 45 teachers on the list had to be notified due to a complex formula that will determine which positions are eliminated.

"It is a very messy, complicated process," Good said, likening the situation to a game of pinball.

For example, a teacher of one subject who also has certification in another could opt to teach that subject instead, bumping a teacher with less seniority. Or, teachers of certain subjects could opt to stay with the district and take reduced compensation to teach in their field, if their subject's teaching time is reduced due to schedule changes.

"What do you think that's going to do for building cohesion and professional development?" Good asked.

She noted that many of the educators on the layoff list were sought out by the district and are highly respected.

"Our goal is to call them back as soon as possible," so they are not scooped up by other districts, Superintendent Michael Simeck said.

The layoffs would go into effect July 1, he said.

The school officials' comments followed a 2011-12 general fund budget update by Deputy Superintendent of Finance, Facilities and Operations Larry Gallagher and a board vote to approve the layoffs.

"(This budget's) been the most challenging one I've had to deal with in 22 years," Gallagher said.

The board, by law, must have the district's budget set by the end of June, so the process is moving forward despite a number of unknowns, including state funding and enrollment, as well as how many staff members will elect to retire, which is still being determined.

On the upside, Gallagher noted, the district's health care costs for the 2011-12 fiscal year will be less than expected, saving $653,800. He also cited potential revenue from growth at the Tri-County Educational Center for adult and alternative learning, special education and a higher athletic resource fee.

Nonetheless, an operating deficit of $4,224,700 is projected.

As such, the district is considering the teacher layoffs, as well as laying off three administrators, reducing paraeducators and eliminating teacher assistants. The budget being considered also would shift lunch aides to a third party, tap $500,000 from the general fund balance and seek out utility savings.

Administrators and school officials also are considering the following:

• Block schedule elimination: could switch from a block schedule to a six- or seven-period day. A six-period schedule would have a greater impact on elective courses and a seven-period schedule would have a greater impact on core courses.
• 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 will take a buyout and leave the district. This option could reduce unemployment costs and save money vs. trimming staff via layoffs.

The next step in the budget process is for leaders in each school, as well as administrators, to hash out the details. Every effort will be made to minimize the cuts' impact on classrooms, Good said. A public hearing on the budget plan is scheduled for June 7, with adoption slated for June 20, Gallagher said.

"As much as we can, we're trying to convey the program is stable and not cause a fright," Gallagher told the audience Monday night at the Avery Center.

If state legislators hash out an agreement on K-12 funding that is less drastic than what has been proposed by the governor, the district's budget picture could change for the better, Good said.

"We, the administration, will work the problem," she said. "We need parents to work the Lansing problem. We need parents to get loud and get angry."

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