Pink Slips Delivered to 179 Brockton Teachers

BROCKTON, MA — It was a very difficult Friday in the Brockton Public Schools with 179 teachers finding out that they will no longer have a job after this school year.

Pink slips were given to 179 teachers Friday morning. It's not the first time the school district has had to perform a mass layoff at the end of the school year, but Superintendent Kathleen Smith told the Enterprise that budget woes on the state level has her worried.

The district is contractually obligated to distribute layoff notices by May 15.

The school system is facing a $16 million budget gap. City officials have said that a change in the state's formula for state aid has cost the Brockton schools $6 million.

While city officials are not downplaying the severity of the gap and prospects of layoffs, the Brockton schools have laid off teachers in the past, only for them to return. In 2010, 431 teachers were laid off and all but one was back for the next school year. In 2012, 99 of 100 laid off teachers came back. Finally, in 2013, 199 teachers were laid off and all came back.

The district hopes to gain signatures for a petition aimed at better funding and showcase student talent at an event titled "Save Our Schools: Brockton Kids Count Showcase." The event is scheduled for May 30.

Image: File Photo