The Examiner U-46 News Feed

Dist. U-46 dismisses 118 as part of annual process

By Seth Hancock
  The Board of Education in School District U-46 approved of the dismissal of 118 staff members over four board meetings in February and March.
  The dismissal letters are approved annually with most staff members eligible for rehire if positions are available.
  Suzanne Johnson, interim superintendent, said the dismissals are “in order to follow state guidelines that allow for staff dismissal up until 45 days before the end of the school year.
  “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.”
  At the Feb. 27 meeting, the board voted 7-0 for the honorable dismissal of 17 teachers.
  There are six reasons listed as why a teacher may be dismissed, according to the resolution, including: “1) you were hired for a part-time teaching position, 2) you were hired for a one year only or semester only teaching position, 3) you were hired for a temporary instructional staff position, 4) you currently do not hold a license in the area you are currently assigned, 5) you were hired for a grant-funded position, or 6) you were subject to a targeted reduction in force.”
  The board voted 7-0 on March 6 for the honorable dismissal of 30 teachers, the dismissal of 28 building substitute teachers and honorable dismissal of one project funded education support personnel.
  A 7-0 vote on March 13 included dismissal of 29 non-tenured teachers, non-renewal of five contract or certified administrators, non-renewal and reassignment of four tenured administrators, honorable dismissal of four teachers, dismissal of three final-year probationary teachers, dismissal of one non-certified administrator and non-renewal of one first, second or third year non-tenured administrator.
  The board voted 6-0, board member Dawn Martin absent, on March 6 for dismissal of four teachers without proper licenses and honorable dismissal of one teacher.