29 Sep 2008
Job cuts to save approximately $3.6 million during current fiscal year
Dallas-At least 160 Dallas Independent School District central staff positions were eliminated today, 63 of which had been filled by employees.
The elimination of these positions will save the district up to $3.6 million for the current 2008-2009 school year.
Because central staff employees do not have contracts and are considered at-will employees, their release did not need board approval to trim the district's projected $84 million deficit.
"As I told the board of trustees last week and the week before, it costs the district approximately $1.5 million each week there is a delay in addressing this deficit," said Dallas ISD Superintendent of Schools Michael Hinojosa. "As the district's chief executive officer, it is my duty to take whatever immediate, prudent and financially responsible action I am empowered to take to address this matter and save the district dollars."
To ease their transition, terminated central staff employees will receive the district's customary one-month full pay.
"This is a very difficult process for everyone involved," said Hinojosa. "Everything must be done, however, to reduce the deficit and this is the logical first step."