Rossford board lays off 4 teachers
School estimates move would save about $320,000
5/22/2014The Rossford school board at a special meeting Wednesday approved four teacher layoffs in a cost-cutting move.
Two of the teachers slated to lose their jobs are licensed to teach kindergarten through third grade, one is credentialed to teach fourth through ninth grade, and one teaches high school, Superintendent Dan Creps said.
Treasurer James Rossler estimated the savings at about $320,000. He noted that the teachers could be recalled if more teachers than expected retire or leave for other reasons.
The board decided in 2013 to close Indian Hills Elementary School at the end of this school year to cut costs. In the next academic year, students in prekindergarten through second grade will be moved to Glenwood Elementary, students in grades three to five to Eagle Point Elementary, and sixth graders to the junior high.
The district has not asked taxpayers for additional operating funds in 12 years, but is expected to do so this year so as it copes with a drop in property valuations and the abolition of the state’s tangible personal property tax.
Cuts have been made in areas such as vocational instruction and academic intervention assistants, but the board approved a new teachers’ contract that continues 4 percent step increases, gives modest raises, and requires teachers to pay more for medical insurance. Rossford’s teachers are the highest paid in Wood County, according to the Ohio Department of Education.
Revenue has not exceeded expenses since 2009-2010. Without new revenue, more spending cuts, or a combination of the two, the district had been projected to finish the 2014-2015 year with a deficit exceeding $600,000. The red ink was to grow to almost $6 million a year after that.
Contact Carl Ryan at: carlryan@theblade.com or 419-724-6095.