WCCS board approves reduction in force for nine
From reports
In order to meet budget, the Whitley County Consolidated School board of trustees had to make the difficult decision to approve a proposed reduction in force during their meeting Monday evening.
A topic of discussion for several weeks, Monday's meeting was the final forum for discussion on the matter and while no one wanted to see the reduction in force, all knew it was necessary.
In all, nine staff positions were effected -- including staff at Columbia City High School, Coesse Elemenary School and Indian Springs Middle School. Positions reduced included: three elementary and middle school paraprofessionals, a middle school administrative professional, a middle school science teacher, two high school level business teachers and a high school family skills teacher. Additionally, a position in the high school radio and television department was reduced to part-time.
The board additionally opened a public hearing regarding a transfer of funds out of the rainy day fund to augment retirement stipends offered to 11 full-time and one part-time staff member. They proposed transfering $287,500 from the rainy day fund to cover the $25,000 stipend offered to each of the staff members approved for retirement. There were no concerns addressed by the public, so appropriation was approved.
The board will meet again on June 7 for a scheduled work session.