Schools

Teachers Respond To Proposed Teacher Layoffs

The Newark Teachers Association releases its stance on the recommendation to reduce certified staff by 26 full-time equivalent positions.

In response to Newark Unified School District's for the 2012-13 school year that will be voted on at the board's 7 p.m. meeting, the Newark Teachers Association released the following statement:

The Newark Teachers Association realizes we still find ourselves in tough budget times.  We have proven time and time again our willingness to work with the school district to reduce costs and overhead to minimalize the impact of these layoffs.

We are quite frankly saddened and outraged by the number of proposed cuts and the impact these layoffs will have on our instructional program. How is it that we are increasing graduation requirements at the high school, but then in turn proposing the reduction of an assistant principal, counselor, and intervention teachers?  We believe that this is sending the wrong message or a mixed message to our community.

We need to take into account what effect this will have on our students.  It's not about us as a union or the district as management.  We have the mission and fiduciary responsibility to provide the best learning environment to our students while at the same time providing the best working conditions to our staff.  These decisions impact the morale of our staff, and in turn the learning of our students.  Perhaps we should focus on student learning instead of always focusing on the dollar.

We honestly hope that these layoffs do not materialize and that we continue to work together for our students and staff.

- Information provided by NTA Co-President Chris Baugh.

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