Reduction-In-Force Letters Go Out To 24 Manchester Teachers
July 28, 2016 at 4:25 p.m.
NORTH MANCHESTER - Twenty-four letters have been hand delivered to teachers at Manchester Community Schools who are on the reduction-in-force list.
However, the school system does not anticipate any major cuts in employees. The letters are considered a precautionary measure, and as the spring progresses and schedules for next year are set, more information will be available about the status of many jobs.
Unlike years past, the reductions in force this year are not due to budget cuts. The reductions will be related to enrollment numbers, mostly at the high school and junior high school level.
"For the most part, teachers understand the process," said Superintendent Dr. Diana Showalter. "It is most difficult for new teachers who may not understand the process."
Showalter said the process was not fun and not easy for anyone involved, but commended teachers for "doing it with grace and professionalism."
The board also discussed a presentation about school uniforms from the Feb. 6 meeting. While several board members thought uniforms were a good idea, they said there were many other things that must come first.
"I've always been for school uniforms," said board member Todd Speicher. "I think more research needs to be done."
"We have an awful lot on our plates right now," said board president Sally Krouse. "I think it's a great idea, but maybe for another time."
"I think at some point this merits further investigation, (but right now we need to) keep and eye on the ultimate goal - academic performance," said board member Brian Schilling.
"I appreciate the presentation," added board member Jan Fahs. "But academic achievement is primary."
In other business, the board:
• Heard presentations from Manchester Junior-Senior High School and Laketon Elementary School regarding ISTEP scores and plans to improve them. Both schools plan to increase opportunities for students to get extra help in both math and language arts areas.
Manchester School Board members present at the meeting were Krouse, Speicher, Fahs, Schilling, Steve Flack and Kent Terrill. Carlye McLaughlin was absent. [[In-content Ad]]
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NORTH MANCHESTER - Twenty-four letters have been hand delivered to teachers at Manchester Community Schools who are on the reduction-in-force list.
However, the school system does not anticipate any major cuts in employees. The letters are considered a precautionary measure, and as the spring progresses and schedules for next year are set, more information will be available about the status of many jobs.
Unlike years past, the reductions in force this year are not due to budget cuts. The reductions will be related to enrollment numbers, mostly at the high school and junior high school level.
"For the most part, teachers understand the process," said Superintendent Dr. Diana Showalter. "It is most difficult for new teachers who may not understand the process."
Showalter said the process was not fun and not easy for anyone involved, but commended teachers for "doing it with grace and professionalism."
The board also discussed a presentation about school uniforms from the Feb. 6 meeting. While several board members thought uniforms were a good idea, they said there were many other things that must come first.
"I've always been for school uniforms," said board member Todd Speicher. "I think more research needs to be done."
"We have an awful lot on our plates right now," said board president Sally Krouse. "I think it's a great idea, but maybe for another time."
"I think at some point this merits further investigation, (but right now we need to) keep and eye on the ultimate goal - academic performance," said board member Brian Schilling.
"I appreciate the presentation," added board member Jan Fahs. "But academic achievement is primary."
In other business, the board:
• Heard presentations from Manchester Junior-Senior High School and Laketon Elementary School regarding ISTEP scores and plans to improve them. Both schools plan to increase opportunities for students to get extra help in both math and language arts areas.
Manchester School Board members present at the meeting were Krouse, Speicher, Fahs, Schilling, Steve Flack and Kent Terrill. Carlye McLaughlin was absent. [[In-content Ad]]