School Layoff Notices Sent

Some Arlington teachers were notified last week that their contracts will not be renewed next year due to a budget shortfall that no longer supports their positions.

Though the exact number of pink slips is not yet public, Superintendent Dr. Kathleen Bodie sent an email on May 24 detailing the layoffs and the potential for "recalls" depending on the success of the Bridge the Gap campaign and also on the number of retirements and exits planned for next year.

The Bridge the Gap campaign is organized by the Arlington Education Foundation in an effort to raise $1 million to help bring back some of the positions that are slated to be cut due to the $4 million budget deficit facing the Arlington school in Fiscal Year 2011.

Teacher's contracts require that the district give notice by June 15 and so it is possible, though not likely, according to School Committee Chairman Joseph Curro, that some of the teachers could be called back depending on other factors.

"We are required by law and by contract to notify any teachers whose jobs will be terminated by June 15," said Curro on Monday. "The expectation is that very few pre-professional teachers will be called back."

The cuts are to be made across the district and affected professionals were notified last week in meetings with the principals of their respective schools.

"This is a process many school districts go through each year," Curro said.