D.C. Public Schools to Cut Teachers

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Budget problems will force $40 million in budget cuts by D.C. Public Schools by the end of October. The move announced Wednesday could prompt teacher layoffs and increasing class sizes.

The D.C. schools budget is estimated at $700 million, and the budget ax has fallen. It's still uncertain of the effect it will have on which schools, but we do know many teachers will soon be out of a job. It's the biggest hit they have faced since 2003. The cuts come less than a month into the new school year.

The city's budget problems mean $40 million will have to come from the classroom. In short, teachers will be pink slipped.

The anger is already mounting.

"I don't see how we can absorb these types of cuts without it having an impact on our ability to educate our children and give children a quality education," said George Parker, President of the Washington Teachers Union.

At a late afternoon press conference, the mayor and D.C. schools chancellor announced the bad news. Both were short on specifics, but did their best to assure parents and staff.

"I think the most important thing is that the performance of the schools will be protected, and we commit to make sure schools are run even better with less resources," said D.C. Mayor Adrian Fenty.

"It will vary from school to school. We have made clear to every principal is that thru this process we need to make sure every staff member is given equal consideration," explained D.C. Schools Chancellor Michelle Rhee.

Parents fear it will disrupt classrooms for students who are still adjusting to the new school year. Despite that, in two weeks, an uncertain amount of the District's 3,800 teachers will get their notice--then have 30 days before they are jobless.

Many now question why the District hired 900 new teachers this summer with budget woes on the horizon.

"I think this will be devastating for both our teachers and our union. To have a RIF at this time in the school year once we got started is devastating," said Parker.

While the mayor touted it will mean better management in tough times, others see it as a setback and question how the cuts are being made. The school's chancellor assured parents the cuts will be painless.

The mayor is making the tough decision to cut education on the heels of re-election.

"There are tough decisions made every school year. Those become more difficult when there are cuts that are made to the system," said Fenty.

"We don't anticipate that any major programs or offerings will be affected by these cuts. We'll work to ensure there is a smooth transition," said Rhee.

The budget cuts come at a time when the schools are also readjusting and letting go of staff based on enrollment projections. The teachers' union fears it will feed continuing suspicion that Rhee has targeted veteran, high-salary teachers for removal.