2 Oct 2008
Layoffs Necessary to Address Projected Budget Deficit
DALLAS—The Dallas ISD Board of Trustees today approved a reduction in force submitted by Superintendent of Schools Michael Hinojosa.
The reduction in force is necessary to avoid a projected $84 million budget deficit for the 2008-09 school year.
"This is a difficult time for everyone affiliated with Dallas ISD, but this is the financially responsible thing to do," said Hinojosa. "Everyone has worked so hard to improve the quality of education for the students of Dallas ISD, but we cannot continue operating in a manner that is not fiscally responsible to the citizens of this city."
As a result of the reduction in force, up to 1,100 of the district's 21,295 employees will be released from their positions within the next two weeks, as many as 550 of which will be teachers. All released contract employees will be paid through January 16, 2009 and will receive one full year's credit for the 2008-2009 school year toward the Teachers Retirement System.
The district projects this move will help reduce the anticipated budget deficit for the 2008-2009 school year by up to $30 million.
"We will work closely with representatives of the teacher organizations to make sure that the reduction in force process is implemented properly. In an effort to help released employees cope with the stress of this situation, we are coordinating outplacement services, whereby released employees will be offered employment assistance and other services through a grant from the Texas Workforce Commission," said Hinojosa. "We are committed to doing everything in our power to help released employees find employment opportunities elsewhere."
Earlier this week, the district eliminated 164 positions from central staff, 63 of which had been filled by employees. The elimination of these positions will save the district $3.6 million dollars for the current school year.
Other cuts include operational and programmatic budget reductions that will trim up to approximately $38 million.
"Parents need to be assured that the district is committed to maintaining its standards of service for students throughout the district but we have to face the reality of the situation," said Hinojosa. "While this reduction in force is indeed difficult during the short term, it is intended to ensure the long-term solvency of the school district."
A job fair for released employees is being organized by the district. For more information, visit our Web site at www.dallasisd.org.