Up to 12 Northeast School Corp. teachers could be let go by the school year’s end if the school’s proposed budget cuts come to fruition.
NESC Trustees agreed on Monday to pass out “Reduction In Force” notices to the teachers school officials say have the “least seniority” in the school’s special education, elementary general education, elementary-related arts, media specialist and Title I programs.
School officials say they hope no teachers will be laid off, but state law requires them to issue notices a set time in advance.
“We are doing everything we can to prevent the worst,” Trustee Dane Strahle said.
The potential cuts in staffing come as the corporation braces for up to $500,000 in cuts.
Earlier this month, trustees approved a new two-year teachers’ contract that includes a buyout aimed at encouraging retirements.
Teachers have until April 21 to accept the buyout.
Some of the teachers receiving RIF notices teach art and music courses, which concerned NESC parent and former North Central graduate Jesse Cornwell. He said if it weren’t for “non-traditional” courses such as art, music and shop, many kids would lose interest in school.
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