Schools
Spring-Ford to vote on teacher cuts
Average class sizes in grades K-6 would increase slightly, eliminating seven teaching positions.
Two resolutions on the April 26 agenda of the Spring-Ford school board would slightly increase average class sizes and eliminate seven teachers' jobs in grades K-6.
If the board approves the resolutions, two teachers would be furloughed at the district's 5-6 Grade Center, and five more teachers would be furloughed at the district's seven elementary schools.
Average class size in grades K-4 would increase from 21 to 22, while average class size at the 5-6 Grade Center would increase from 24.26 to 25.
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The text of the resolutions cites "the substantial reduction in available funding, the reduction of local tax revenues due to the precipitous decline in real property values, and the limitation on tax increased imposed under Special Sections Act 1 of 2006."
These factors have caused "a severe financial crisis and a substantial projected budget deficit, requiring a critical review and reallocation of limited School District resources and a concomitant reorganization of school district programs and curriculum so as to allow the School District to meet its mandated educational mission," according to the text of the document.
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The resolutions, 2011-13 and 2011-14, invoke the school board's powers under Section 11-1124 of the School Code, which reads in part:
"Any Board of School Directors may suspend the necessary number of professional employees, for any of the causes herein enumerated...curtailment of alteration of the educational program on recommendation of the Superintendent, concurred in by the Board of School Directors, approved by the Department of Public Instruction, as a result of a substantial decline in class or course enrollments or to confirm with standards of organization or educational activities required by the Department of Public Instruction."
The school district projects enrollment of 1,259 students at the 5-6 Grade Center and 2,951 students in grades K-4 for the 2011-12 school year.
The school board will meet at 7:30pm on Tuesday, April 26 in the cafeteria of Spring-Ford Area High School.
