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A couple of hours ago, Tawnell Hobbs wrote that she’d heard 250 central staffers at the Dallas Independent School District were being laid off today. Matter of fact, says the district in a release made available moments ago, the total number of central staff positions cut today is almost twice that: 450. Says the release, the layoffs will save the district $25 million — a fraction of the amount it will need to lose should current guesstimates of a $110- to $123-million shortfall remain at or around that level. Says the district, the figure of 450 includes “today’s layoffs, reassignments, vacancies that have been eliminated and the number of central staff employees who opted to take the early resignation offer.”
Says Superintendent Michael Hinojosa in a written statement, “This is a very sad day for the Dallas Independent School District. While many of these individuals may not have worked face to face on a day-to-day basis with children, their contributions to the overall life of the school district were nonetheless very important. There will be a decrease in services provided to campuses as a result.”
The district says that those who signed a settlement agreement with the district will receive pay and benefits through June 30. The whole announcement follows.
Dallas ISD reduces central staff by 450 positions
Anticipated Budget Shortfall Forced Action
The Dallas Independent School District today notified hundreds of central staff employees that their positions have been eliminated effective immediately.
Employees who signed a settlement and release will receive pay and benefits through June 30, the end of the fiscal year.
“This is a very sad day for the Dallas Independent School District,” said Superintendent of Schools Michael Hinojosa. “While many of these individuals may not have worked face to face on a day-to-day basis with children, their contributions to the overall life of the school district were nonetheless very important. There will be a decrease in services provided to campuses as a result.”
Approximately 450 central staff positions were eliminated, saving the district roughly $25 million. That figure includes today’s layoffs, reassignments, vacancies that have been eliminated and the number of central staff employees who opted to take the early resignation offer.
Because of a record state budget shortfall, Dallas ISD is facing a massive budget deficit that currently ranges from $88 million to $126 million less than the current school year’s budget. Even under a best-case scenario, the district will be forced to slash millions of dollars, most of which come in the form of employee salaries.
“Eighty-five percent of the district’s budget goes toward paying salaries,” said Hinojosa. “School districts are labor-intensive organizations so the only place to reduce the budget is in releasing employees.”
The employees notified today work in all areas of the district including: Teaching and Learning, School Leadership and Administrative Services, Human Resources, Business Services, Purchasing, Evaluation and Accountability, Professional Development, Communications, Health Services, Special Education and many more. All of the employees are considered at-will, meaning that they can be released at any time by the district for any reason, within law, or for no reason.
“The individuals who received notices today are very good, hard-working people who gave their time, talent and energy to helping improve opportunities for students in the Dallas Independent School District,” said Hinojosa. “I am sincerely thankful for their service and disappointed that this action had to be taken.”
This is the third time in four years that Dallas ISD’s central administration staff has been downsized. During 2007, 169 central staff positions were eliminated during a reorganization, with 30 central staff members reassigned to campuses. During the fall of 2008, another 160 central staff positions were eliminated because of the district shortfall at the time.
“Dallas ISD is losing a wealth of experience and dedication today,” said Hinojosa. “Our thoughts are with our former colleagues and their families. Those employees who remain will likely be taking on additional responsibilities and we continue to thank them for the important work they do on behalf of students, parents and other district staff.”
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