Waco ISD announces loss of at least 200 jobs

Waco ISD announces loss of at least 200 jobs

With the district expecting a state revenue shortfall estimated in excess of $8 million,

approximately 200 employees, mostly teachers, are not being offered a contract for the 2011-2012

school year. Principals were informed about the unfortunate news Thursday afternoon and have

been meeting with the teachers affected by the cuts throughout the day.

The district has been cutting back on expenditures and exploring other cost saving opportunities for

the past several months. Some positions have already been eliminated through attrition with those

associated duties assigned to existing personnel. It had been hoped that the district would endure

the budget shortfall through attrition only. Given the current information available from state

legislators, that will not be possible.

“In my 34 years in education, this is the toughest thing I’ve had to do,” said Superintendent Dr.

Bonny Cain. “It is painful and it is sad. This is about the livelihoods of some absolutely wonderful

people who work hard and care about Waco ISD.”

The “no contract” recommendation does not include staff in such areas as mathematics, science,

bilingual and special education.

Even though a lot of uncertainty remains about school funding, the district was forced to make the

move because of an April 18 deadline. Current law requires public schools to give an employee

written notice with regard to contract termination 45 days prior to the last day of instruction.

The district is hoping that most of the teachers affected by the cut will be rehired should the funding

outlook improve.

“Everyone has been hearing about the budget shortfall for the past several months. Those

implications included cutting personnel,” said Cain. “Now it’s hitting too close to home. This

hurts.”

The Waco Independent School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, disability, or age in its programs,

activities, or employment practices. For inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies, contact: director of human resources (254-755-9415),

director of student services (254-755-9516) or director of state and federal programs (254-755-9562); P.O. Box 27, Waco, Texas, 76703.