The Examiner U-46 News Feed

Dist. U-46 Board ratifies series of RIF proposals

By Seth Hancock
  The Board of Education in School District U-46 unanimously approved reductions in force (RIF) and reassignments effecting 217 staff members.
  The annual human resources (HR) resolutions are presented and voted on over several meetings each year.
  “In order to follow state guidelines that allow for staff dismissal up until 45 days before the end of the school year, the assistant superintendent of human resources… annually presents personnel categories that are eligible for possible dismissal,” said Superintendent Tony Sanders. “Depending on the budget situation and when programs and classes are determined for the next school year, some of these individuals may be rehired providing they have proper licensure. While the Board of Education takes this action very seriously, dismissal consideration is customary at this time of year in order to follow state requirements.”
  By a unanimous vote on Feb. 28, the board approved the honorable dismissal of 83 teachers which included full-time, part-time and temporary staff, according to Kerry Foderaro, interim assistant superintendent for HR.
  “We should be able to hire back approximately 90 percent of these people after May 1,” Foderaro said.
  Another 62 staff members were a part of honorable dismissal of teachers were a part of a series of resolutions unanimously approved on March 7. Also approved was non-renewal of 24 first- through third-year probationary teachers, honorable dismissal of eight education support personnel (funded projects), honorable dismissal of seven non-union support personnel, dismissal of five final-year probationary teachers and non-renewal of administrative contract and reassignment of one tenured administrator.
  Two resolutions on March 14 were approved 5-0, board members John Devereux and Veronica Noland were absent.
  Included was non-renewal of 26 building substitute teachers who Foderaro said “we anticipate we will rehire the vast majority if not all of them back,” and non-renewal of one first- through third-year probationary teacher.