Gateway Program cuts are official

It’s official: the Springfield school district is sending out RIF notices and letters of termination to 14 teachers and staff.

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Published March 23, 2016 in the Rutland Herald Gateway Program cuts are official By SUSAN SMALLHEER SPRINGFIELD – It’s official: the Springfield school district is sending out RIF notices and letters of termination to 14 teachers and staff. The Springfield School Board approved the reduction-in-force notices for six teaching positions, with the balance coming from staff, according to Superintendent Zachary McLaughlin. McLaughlin said that the number of official RIF notices had been reduced because of earlier resignations of some staff, thus cancelling the notice requirement. McLaughlin said that 5.67 full-time positions would be eliminated via the notice. He said he had also sent out letters to paraprofessionals and support staff, giving them two weeks notice. “Others have retired or resigned,” he said, noting that the director of the Gateway program, which bore the brunt of the budget cuts, had already resigned, effective the end of June. The total number of staff positions reduced remained at 14, the superintendent said. One coach, he said, had agreed to go to a half-time position, and thus wouldn’t be “RIFFed.” New Springfield School Board Chairman Ed Caron and other board members voiced their thanks to the community for supporting the $28 million Springfield school budget, which actually included a slight tax decrease. “I want to thank the voters for supporting the budget for a third year in a row, thank you,” said School Board member Jeanice Garfield, who was re-elected during town meeting. Garfield stepped down as chairwoman, and Caron was elected chairman in a contest with Laura Ryan. Caron won 3-2 during a board vote earlier this month. McLaughlin said the advance layoff notices are required according to the teacher contract, by April 1. But he said that a recent state law might make the second vote by the School Board approving the reductions unnecessary. McLaughlin had proposed closing The Gateway Program, citing declining enrollment and high costs. The program served at-risk students in the Springfield school district, as well as surrounding school districts initially. http://www.rutlandherald.com/article/20160323/NEWS02/160329784