8/18/2011 7:30:00 PMBoard approval to lay off nearly 350 teachers positions CMSD to align staffing with enrollment and maintain a balanced budget

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
August 18, 2011

Board approval to lay off nearly 350 teachers positions CMSD to align staffing with enrollment and maintain a balanced budget

CLEVELAND – The Board of Education of the Cleveland Metropolitan School District took action tonight to approve CEO Eric Gordon’s recommendation to lay off nearly 350 teachers. The action enables the District to align its teaching staff with 2011 student enrollment and maintain its commitment to a balanced budget through June 30, 2013.

In an effort to maintain fiscal sustainability for two years, the District eliminated over 1000 positions this year, closed schools and reduced expenditures. In addition, the District central office employees and one of its eight unions agreed to salary reductions and increased share of insurance contributions. Without wage and benefit modifications, the District is unable to maintain its two-year budget commitments without laying off teachers recently recalled to the classroom.

“We now have a 30 day window of opportunity to put the District in the best position to move forward,” said Gordon. “As we assess enrollment and staffing, we will continue our work at the bargaining table to secure the flexibility needed to save jobs and sustain a balanced budget for two years.”

For More Information Contact:
Roseann Canfora: 216-858-6510
Charisse Ausbrook: 216-574-8143