Tacoma joins Edmonds in announcing layoffs for dozens of school staff
May 15, 2019, 5:32 PM | Updated: 5:38 pm
Tacoma teachers strike at the beginning of the 2018 school year (AP)
(AP)
Tacoma’s public school district joined Edmonds Wednesday, in announcing layoffs for dozens of staff, teachers, and administrators this week.
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The News Tribune reports a 31-staff member layoff for Tacoma Public Schools. The district will let go of 31 total people, including nine administrative staff, nine certificated staff, and 13 classified staff. One teacher was included under the “certificated staff” category.
Similarly, dozens of teachers in Edmonds got layoff letters on Wednesday, after the school board voted 3-2 to approve a motion to let go of 25 teachers, 8 assistant elementary school principals, and two instructional technology coaches.
“It’s shocking, I think it’s a huge disservice to the children, and the teachers, and the community. I think it’s really unfortunate,” an Edmonds parent told KIRO 7 TV.
Both Edmonds and Tacoma recently faced budget shortfalls of $17.7 million and $30 million respectively. In Edmonds, school district officials point to funding changes from the 2018 McCleary decision as the main culprit.
Tacoma schools eliminated 43 administrative positions earlier in 2019 to allow for increases in teacher salaries. Not long after that, the district passed a “reduction in force” resolution.
Moving forward, money problems in the district are likely to continue.
“We expect to face another round of budget reductions in the 2020-2021 school year,” a news release from the Tacoma Public Schools District said.
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