Schools

Grosse Pointe School Board Votes for 33 Teacher Layoffs

As a preliminary measure to address the 2011-2012 fiscal year budget, a list of 33 teachers was approved Tuesday by the board for layoffs.

Grosse Pointe School Board voted Tuesday to lay off 33 teachers for the 2011/2012 school year. The step is in preparation for establishing a balanced budget for the next fiscal year despite despite statewide budgeting for school still being in flux. 

Those 33 teachers are likely to receive their official pink slip Wednesday following the board's approval Tuesday. School administrators talked to those teachers who are on the list last week in preparation for Tuesday's decision.

They had actually talked to more teachers than will appear on the final list, Grosse Pointe Education Association President Ranae Beyerlein said. The hope is all of these teachers will be called back as the district contends with retirements, vacancies and other opportunities that would allow the their return, she said. 

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The list is generated based on seniority, which is part of the teacher's contract, she said. 

Last year, the initial list contained 80 teachers and after all was said and done, all were called back to work and 56 additional teachers were hired, Beyerlein said. 

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Many of the board members shared their regret for the decision during their closing statements following the meeting. 

Determining whether these teachers may be recalled could depend on the results of the decisions to be made in Lansing concerning the School Aid Fund, she said. 

Teachers, school administrators and education advocates are watching closely what happens in Lansing as dozens of proposals are being discussed and considered that would impact per pupil funding.

Under all of the plans, the per pupil spending in public schools is reduced, and at least one plan calls for additional cuts to wealthier districts such as Grosse Pointe. 

During public comments to the board, Dan Quinn, a teacher, parent and a union member, urged the school board to write and sign a unified letter that could be published as well as sent to Gov. Rick Snyder opposing the spending cuts. 

Board president John Steininger urged everyone in attendance at the meeting to write letters to the state leaders to send a message that the Grosse Pointes are not satisfied with the funding proposals. 


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