Layoffs Still Loom for D.C. Schools

No D.C. teachers have been laid off so far, but the Fenty administration says layoffs are coming soon.

There is a lot of angst and uncertainly revolving around these layoffs, and there was word a protest involving students, parents and other interest parties at D.C. Public School headquarters on Thursday afternoon. But when the time came, little activity was seen outside the building.

Word circulated early in the day on Thursday that students at McKinley Tech would walk out in protest, just like students at Duke Ellington did on Tuesday. Activists angry about the coming layoffs said student rebels stayed inside after reports that police in truancy vans would get them, but they say the students have legitimate concerns.

On Friday work progress reports will be due for each student," said activist Lawrence Guyot. "By Friday, the teachers will have been fired."

FOX 5 tried to get clarification from Mayor Adrian Fenty on FOX Morning News. He said the layoffs would happen soon.

"Chancellor Rhee is going through evaluations with principals," said Mayor Fenty. "They are evaluating just like they would here at FOX 5 or anywhere else. Those who will be let go haven't met the standards as much as other teachers."

Not only are students upset about how that will take place, but Washington Teachers' Union president George Parker says they're keeping a close eye out, and the union is worried about how disruptive it will be to have a reduction in force at the beginning of the school year.

"It's impossible for this not to affect classrooms," said Parker. "There are going to be increased class sizes and there are going to have to be some program cuts."

Child advocate Glenda Richmond, who used to work as a head start social service coordinator with the school system, is also concerned about the influx of hundreds of new teachers hired this summer, many of whom were from out of town.

"We have qualified teachers right here in D.C., and is it not part of the school of the system to give staff development?" said Richmond.

This whole issue is frustrating for everyone. City residents who voted for Mayor Fenty are demanding school reform, and now they're getting it. Chancellor Rhee is bold, willing to take on the union and teachers. Now parents and others are questioning the kind of change that's coming.