Additional Teachers Notified Of Possible Job Losses

Approximately 20 West Islip teachers have received notices that their jobs could be in jeopardy if the teachers’ union is successful in fighting a two-day furlough plan that is part of the recently approved 2013-14 school budget.

School Superintendent Richard Simon on Monday confirmed that those notices were sent last week to comply with a contractual obligation that any teachers in danger of losing their jobs for the coming school year need to be notified by June 1.

At issue is a grievance filed by the West Islip Teachers Association over the two furlough days that were included in the 13-14 school spending plan approved by voters on May 21. During the budget formation process, the board of education approved the use of furlough days, which allows the school district to save $544,000 for the coming school year.

“If the union is successful in its challenge the school district would need to find a way to save an additional half million dollars,” Simon said. “One possibility could be additional reductions in staff.”

Beyond losing additional teaching positions, which could impact average class sizes, school officials may also tap reserves to cover the cost.

Board of education President Steve Gellar said it was premature to say what steps the board and administration could take if the union is successful in fighting the furlough days.

Union officials did not immediately respond to an e-mail from Patch seeking comment.

Simon added that if the union was successful in challenging the furlough plan, it was unlikely that all teachers notified last week would lose their jobs. Who stays and who goes depends on what decision the board and administration may be forced to take if the school district needs to cover the $544,000 now accounted for by the furlough days.

The budget for the coming school year reduced teacher head count across the district by “less than 10,” according to Simon. Most of those cuts were as a result of the middle school moving from a nine period day to an eight period day beginning in September.