More than a dozen teachers in the Greenfield Union School District won't have jobs to return to next year. That decision was made by board members Wednesday night.
Originally 23 teaching positions were on the chopping block, but it was announced 2 teachers stawould be returning to the classroom next year, bringing the total number of layoffs to 21.
Also discussed at Wednesday's meeting, board members paying for part of their own health insurance.
Dozens of people packed the small board room, some waiting to hear if they would have a job next year.
The Greenfield Union School District, like many districts across the state, is trying to pinch pennies as state funding has dwindled, to the tune of $4.5 million.
A handful of teachers who received layoff notices appealed, two learned they will be back in the classroom.
"Originally it was going to be 23 teacher reductions, with accepting the ruling of the A.L.J. and the board modifying it a little. Two teachers will be able to be retained and will not receive notices of termination," said Superintendent Chris Crawford.
Another item on the agenda was a proposal from Mike Shaw. He asked fellow board members to start paying 10 percent of their personal health care costs, amounting to $1,500 a year.
One board member agreed, but says it doesn't go far enough.
"We still have cell phones, we still have car allowances, we still have district vehicles that go home," said Tiffany Clendenen.
The board unanimously agreed to begin paying 10 percent of their health care costs, but decided to talk about other perks at another time.
Next year, district employees, including administrators, will also take furlough days to help save money.
The board's next meeting is Wednesday, May 23rd at the district office.
