Lancaster Schools Issue Layoff Notices

Faced with expected cutbacks in state education funding, the Lancaster School District has issued layoff notices for next year to 18 employees as part of a plan to cope with an expected $2.4-million budget deficit.

The notices were sent to two of the district’s four music teachers, seven of nine school nurses, three of eight psychologists and to all six assistant principals. The district was required under state law to notify by last Friday any certificated employees facing layoffs. Certificated employees include teachers, administrators and other professionals.

Assistant Supt. Kay Wrye said some of the employees, such as the assistant principals, would be able to return to teaching jobs at the 14 schools within the district. But others, such as the nurses and psychologists, may not find other district jobs.

The 18 targeted positions, along with the planned elimination of two administrative positions, are expected to save about $1.1 million next year. Wrye said the district must cut more jobs or reduce expenses in other ways to save an additional $1.3 million.