Wednesday, January 21, 2009

Just as I'm getting used to my job...

So the state of Virginia has cut into education for the new budget. That's okay, I guess. Schools are pretty much used to it.
David tells me today that the House of Reps in VA is debating not approving the budget that Gov. Kaine proposed for political reasons and they're going to push to get rid of the small tax increases and instead cut MORE from education. Doesn't sound too bad unless you actually work for a small school district that's been hit hard like I do right now.
Last week, we were told by the administration and then in a letter from the Superintendent that our budget is bare bones. We are cutting after-school buses, summer school and a few other programs. No new textbooks are going to be ordered and we have to be diligent about getting the issued ones back. That's all so we don't lose any positions. That's with the proposed cuts in place and it's all "As far as we know..." and a feeling that nothing's solid just yet. If they're going to cut more from education, that means we're going to have to get rid of more. Since I'm new to this district, who do they get rid of first if they have to cut positions? Support staff? Janitorial? New teachers? Older, more experienced (and thus, more expensive) teachers? Ones with the grades? Ones who they've known?
It's a small place, where everyone knows everyone.... and I'm one of the new kids and, to be honest, a few teachers there do not like me already. So... should I be worried about my job? Even though we've been reassured, I've told them I'm coming back next year (screw spending money to apply to closer places when everyone is tightening up their budgets) and I'm hoping that I'll be able to, I'm still keeping the thought that I might be laid off in the back of my mind. Keep your fingers crossed, I guess.

4 comments:

Kate said...

You're too good and, since you're also new to the district, you're too cheap for the district to let you go.

In the face of no budget, have you checked out DonorsChoose.org? It's kind of an online begging site for teachers.

Anonymous said...

We had a big staff meeting today about a similar letter from our superintendent. We were basically told that they will either be cutting everyone's salaries or they estimate 14 teaching positions between the middle and high schools will be cut.

Hooray!

Alison said...

So far, no jobs are planned to be cut. They're cutting other things and cutting back on somethings to prevent anyone from having to be laid off. If the gov't is going to cut MORE from the education budget, though... it might be a different story. Eep.

And Kate, I have checked out DonorsChoose.org. I plan to use it in the future for any big projects I need funding for! :)

Anonymous said...

That's so frustrating and makes you just keep asking yourself how can it all be so backwards...how are you supposed to provide the education you dream of passing along to your students if you aren't given the resources. I'm thinkin of you and we all know the teachers who don't like you merely are scared of change! :)