Board of Education Approves Teacher Layoffs and More

Wednesday night Lake Orion Board of Education members unanimously approved the layoff of seven full-time teachers at .

According to Larry Lobert, assistant superintendent of human resources for Lake Orion Community Schools, the board is required to make a decision based on staffing needs next year by April 30. In result of projected enrollment numbers being lighter for elementary school students for the 2012-2013 school year, five layoffs just at the elementary level were approved last night. The other two full-time teaching positions belonged to high school teachers due to course selections that have been made up to this point.

"Hopefully some of these folks will be recalled," Lobert said looking forward.

As of now the teachers have already been notified that they are on the layoff list for this year. Lobert explained at the board meeting that teachers are selected by identify those with least seniority.

A look at district fees

Board members had a first reading of district fee increases for the 2012-2013 school year, one that included a $30 hike in middle school pay to participate athletics in order to offset increased fees in equipment costs and official fees. Currently there is a $200 charge for middle school students to participate in various team sports.

Trustee Melissa Miller requested that they look at other ways to capture money to offset those fees. Secretary Debbie Porter mirrored Miller's concerns.

"It is already cost prohibitive to some families," Porter said, noting the importance of kids being able to get out and participate in extra curricular activities.

"It just seems like a lot to ask for them to pay more," Porter continued later in the discussion.

Other meeting highlights:

• Superintendent Marion Ginopolis assured board members that the Suicide Prevention Committee is actively working on ways to raise awareness of suicides. Porter suggested looking into creating an awareness line, or a place that kids could text into through the school system if they needed help.
• Ginpolis noted that Lake Orion Community Schools has now been approved to offer the Oakland Virtual Learning Academy, an online resource offered through Oakland Schools which will allow the school to target kids who are currently home schooled. The academy allows students kindergarten through 8th grade to enroll through Lake Orion's school district and take a full-time course load of classes which requires parental supervision.