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CBS News – Schools across U.S. announce teacher layoffs “Worst Staff Cuts ‘in a Generation'” Missoulian
American schools are facing layoffs as enrollment falls and pandemic-era aid dries up. CBS News reporter Bo Erickson has the details.
(Many thanks to Kemble F. for sharing)
MCPS approves worst staff cuts ‘in a generation’
“This can, and will, negatively impact schools as they absorb the responsibilities on top of their core mission of educating students,” Hill said. “Teachers and principals end up becoming jack of all trades instead of focused specialists. The ship may keep moving with a reduced crew, but not necessarily in the right direction or at a great efficiency. The teachers will bear the burden.”
The decision comes as the district confronts an $8 million budget deficiency. Lower enrollment and inflation has resulted in a $3 million deficit in the general fund, a decrease that had been balanced for the last three years by federal COVID-19 grant money.
Those Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief fund dollars have now run dry, adding $5 million to the MCPS shortfall.
A lack of funding from the Montana Legislature only added to the district’s woes, said Pat McHugh, executive director of business and operations at MCPS, who noted that the state only increases the school budget by 3% annually.
How will the three newly passed levies impact Missoula County Public Schools?
The MCPS Board of Trustees will have a budget and levy committee meeting tomorrow to further discuss the budget now that elections are over, and they will have a full proposal for the school district’s budget in the near future.
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