WESTMINSTER : 19 Teachers Rehired by School District
The Westminster School District has rehired almost half of the employees who received layoff notices in the spring because of budget cuts.
In June, the district announced it would lay off 43 full-time and temporary employees--mostly teachers--as part of $1.7 million in cuts.
However, because of vacancies created by retirements and resignations, the district has been able to rehire 19 full-time teachers, said spokeswoman Audrey Brown.
The Board of Trustees voted unanimously last week to approve rehiring the teachers.
“To allow people to have their jobs back is great. It’s wonderful,” said Board President Kathy Iverson after the vote. “I’m really happy, and I’m sorry we had to (lay off people) in the first place.”
Gaye Shin, president of the Westminster Teachers Assn., returned from vacation Monday and learned about the district’s decision. “That’s really excellent. I’m very pleased to hear it,” she said.
Superintendent Gail Wickstrom, who reluctantly proposed cutting the teachers in March to save about $800,000, said she is thrilled to have them back.
“This is a huge relief to us. We’re talking about very talented teachers who belong in our classrooms,” she said.
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