According to Interim Superintendent Ed Daft, the layoff list was put together with “careful consideration” and input from principals and union leadership to try and “mitigate the anxiety” and “stress” felt by those who receive layoff notices. Photo by Richard Dionne.
EAST PROVIDENCE — The East Providence School Committee approved 37 layoff notices at its regular meeting Tuesday night.
According to Interim Superintendent Ed Daft, the layoff list was put together with “careful consideration” and input from principals and union leadership to try and “mitigate the anxiety” and “stress” felt by those who receive layoff notices.
Of the 37 notices, 29 are for teachers and eight are for education specialists. Some of the reductions stem from a school committee decision last fall to reduce 24 non-mandated special education positions, a move expected to save about more than $1 million next fiscal year. Mr. Daft said the layoff notices also take into account recommendations contained within a B and E Consulting management audit aimed at increasing class-size efficiencies at the middle and high school levels.
Additionally, Mr. Daft said the layoffs relate to teachers returning from leave, budgetary constraints and non-renewals. The school department is required to notify teachers of a scheduled layoff no later than March 1 for the following school year. The school department could also re-call some of the laid off teachers before the end of this school year.
Meanwhile, the school department is also weighing a potential round of layoffs for teacher assistants. School department Finance Director Mary King said the number of these layoffs has not yet been determined. Mr. Daft said TA layoff notices must be issued before June 1.
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