BATAVIA – Citing a drop in state aid and falling revenues because of the sluggish economy, the Batavia School Board on Tuesday voted to cut 32 non-tenured teachers and 19 support staff members.
"It's been a very difficult time," School Board President Ron Link said. "These are probably the most difficult decisions we have to make. We will do what we can to hopefully bring some of these staff members back."
The reductions will take effect at the end of the school year. Of the 32 teachers who were dismissed, about 20 were first-year teachers, School Superintendent Jack Barshinger said.
Tenure is given during a teacher's fourth year. The school district has about 460 certified staff members this year, he said.
Tony Malay, president of the Batavia Education Association, the teachers union, could not be reached for comment about the cuts.
Normally, the district will cut between 12 to 15 teachers before the end of the school year, Barshinger said.
But Barshinger said the sluggish economy is causing a "challenging financial time."
"The district is concerned about the overall decline in the housing market and what that will do in overall property values and assessments in the coming year," Barshinger said. "I expect it to be pretty flat."
The district also expects to see $500,000 a year in state aid reduced or cut. Barshinger said the district's enrollment shrunk by 111 students this year, to 6,146.
"Half of it was caused by the opening of Holy Cross Church's school," Barshinger said.
In addition, four administrators are resigning or retiring this year and will not be replaced, including Deborah Hays, the district's assistant director of teaching and learning; Alan McCloud, assistant superintendent of elementary education; Rebecca Sulaver, assistant principal of Batavia High School; and Carol Weimer, assistant principal of curriculum at Rotolo Middle School.
"Other administrators will take in extra duties," Barshinger said.
The school district is searching for a replacement for Batavia High School Principal Doug Drexler, who will become the district's assistant director of teaching and learning starting July 1.
