Anderson schools lay off 36 teachers

"It's not easy to do these type of things," ACS Personnel Director Richard Dickerson told the board. "I absolutely sweat blood and hate having to go through this process."

Of the cuts, 28 teachers were laid off and eight certified contracts will not be renewed.

While the cuts had been anticipated, it remains unclear how much they will save the system in the coming year. Also unknown is how many of those jobs might be saved by federal stimulus money. Some of those answers should be known at the board's June meeting.

"There's a distinct possibility some of these will come back," because of stimulus money, Superintendent Mikella Lowe told the board.

Dickerson said the reductions were decided by seniority and the system's depth in given disciplines and licensing areas.

"Hopefully we can get most of these back as soon as possible," he said.