176 layoffs looming for TPS?

TOLEDO, Ohio (WUPW) - Massive teacher layoffs could become a reality as Toledo Public Schools try to find a way to fix a $30 million budget deficit.

According to a newsletter that went out to members of the Toledo Federation of Teachers this week, the district board of education is considering cutting 176 teachers. The union newsletter states another 147 art, music, and phys-ed specialists would be eliminated and all but 16 nurses. This is on top of health insurance adjustments and reductions in employee salaries.

Last week TPS announced drastic measures might be taken to fix the budget gap, including union concessions. However, union negotiations are kept confidential. So, needless to say, school board members were surprised the information regarding layoffs was sent out by the union.

"What we said at the meeting was we would negotiate in private and not in the media," said Bob Vasquez, board president. "Because when we negotiate in the media then it becomes more about the story than the things we need to get done."

Teacher cuts are just part of what is being considering as a way to fix the budget. The school district is asking voters to approve a three-quarter-percent tax hike in the May 4 primary. But, even if it passes the district will still need to cut enough to fill a $17 million hole.

Teacher cuts are just part of what is being considering as a way to fix the budget. Other proposals including eliminating athletics and closing schools, including Libbey High School.

Public hearings on the matter is set for Wednesday, March 17 at Start High School and Thursday, March 18, at Rodgers. Both meetings begin at 5:30 p.m. If you are unable to attend, the district is still accepting comments through e-mail. You can contact the district via this e-mail address.

The school board is expected to vote on the cuts during its March 23 meeting.

When contacted, Francine Lawrence, president of the Toledo Federation of Teachers, said she would not be commenting on this story.