GALVESTON, TX (KTRK) -- Galveston Independent School District is preparing to deliver some bad news to employees. The district is hurting from a big budget shortfall and a major loss of students after Hurricane Ike. Job cuts may be necessary.
While these students figure out math problems, their superintendent has her own equations to solve.
"We're still down about 2,100 students, which is about one-fourth of our population, which means we need about one-fourth less of our staff members," said Galveston ISD Superintendent Lynne Cleveland.
Since Hurricane Ike, approximately 2,100 students have not returned. Combined with a declining tax base and an estimate $65 million in school repairs, the Galveston school district is forced to consider drastic cutbacks.
Specifically, the superintendent is proposing a buyout, where employees would receive a portion of their salary, based on years of service. It's called a voluntary reduction of their workforce.
Right now, there are about 11,000 employees. At least 200 resignations are needed. The deadline is March 6. After that, the school district will consider involuntary reductions.
Since 2004, GISD has been on a steady student enrollment decline, from 11,000 to about 5,800 students.
Schools are funded by the state based on student enrollment. As a result, next year, money from the state is expected to decrease about $16 million. Regardless of the reason why, one principal says cutbacks on staff will make a difficult situation more challenging.
"A lot of these people, I hired out of college and have been with us 10, 15, and in some cases, more than 20 years," said Principal Bill Heuman. "Any time you have a staff that has come together like that and you're forced to reduce the numbers, it's going to hurt everyone."
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6 secretaries (all departments and levels) have to resign for me to keep my job. Its going to be hard because if you voluntary resign you will not be eligible for unemployment benefits. Plus the resign package is 1% of your annual income if you worked up to 5 yrs. You can imagine that is not a lot.
so we are looking for other jobs in other cities, but with this economy its hard everywhere. So lets hope 6 ladies resign! =/
About the other schools...
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I hope it doesn't come to that... but it's good that y'all are preparing. I love you both!!
ReplyDeleteIf it comes to this, and you both are cut, the choice is simple. You must come to Hot Springs. Thomas can live in an art town, teach art, and sell his own art... and we can have both of you nearby.
ReplyDeleteNo need to worry, whatever you would decide. These little episodes of life that tend to cause so much worry and stress end up being very good for us in the long run.
It will all work out, my good friends!