They hope to call them back, but Clarkston school officials last week issued layoff notices to 10 teachers, effective at the end of this school year.
Linda Nester, executive director for personnel and auxiliary services, proposed the layoffs at the Monday, April 14 school board meeting, explaining that union contracts require a 60-day notification period.
The layoffs include three full-time and one half-time elementary teachers, two middle school language arts teachers, one middle school teacher each in math, science and social studies and one high school math teacher.
The move was part of a previously approved plan to trim the school district budget.
The board-approved personnel report also included four teachers whose retirement or resignation will be effective at the end of the school year.
‘We had originally hoped to avoid any layoffs,? said Superintendent Al Roberts. ‘We made a determination that’s in the best interests of the school district.?
Some pink slips could be rescinded if other teachers announce resignation or retirement before the end of the school year, and a successful renewal of the ‘non-homestead? property tax could also save jobs, Roberts said.
Among items on the June 9 ballot is a proposal to restore the full 18 mills on property which is not a primary residence and agricultural property which does not meet the ‘homestead? exemption.
In addition to providing more revenue for the school budget, state regulations require the ‘non-homestead? millage to guarantee a school district’s full per-pupil ‘foundation? grant from the state treasury.