Easton Area School District union President Kevin Deely outraged over board's decision to eliminate 72 jobs

Outraged Easton Area Education Association President Kevin Deely vowed that the teachers were done cooperating with the school district after the school board voted 5-3 to eliminate 72 of its members as part of the 2010-11 budget.

“This is disgusting!” Deely said. “We have worked countless hours trying to find ways to save this district money, and this is the best you can do? Cut 72 teachers?”

Many were shocked because Deely had expressed optimism that the positions could be saved following a meeting with administrators during which he suggested $3 million to $5 million in concessions.

Superintendent Susan McGinley noted that the board has demonstrated a reluctance to dip into reserve funds with a looming state pension crisis. Board member Kerry Myers pointed out that the EAEA had not voted to accept the concessions.

Despite these arguments, not all visitors to lehighvalleylive.com are convinced the board did enough to save these jobs. Oceans10 commented:

"Tonights school board meeting was nothing but a witch hunt. The majority of board members had no intention of trying to save teaching positions. The teachers were willing to give 3 to 5 million dollars back in concessions to assist the district shortfall and the majority of board members turned up their noses. Sad day for the youth of Easton....lossing much needed teachers and support staff."

Human Resources Director John Castrovinci said teachers who will lose their jobs will be notified by mail this week. The district must go through a bumping procedure over the next few days in which veteran teachers may bump those with less seniority if they are qualified to fill a position.

PALMER TWP. | Despite a last-minute offer of teacher concessions aimed at saving jobs, including a wage freeze, the Easton Area School Board voted Monday to eliminate 72 teachers.

Only one week after voting against that very same proposal, the board voted 5-3 to cut the positions during an emotional meeting that drew tears from the public and board members alike.

Board member Kerri Leonard-Ellison, who voted against the cuts, said she was disappointed the board missed an opportunity to engage in serious dialogue with the teachers union and other district representatives.

"The taxpayers asked us to look at each other and find a way," she said before a crowd of 150 in the Easton Area High School auditorium. "I guess we failed."

Among the cuts were 27 high school teachers, 9.5 middle school teaching positions, 18 elementary teachers and all 12.5 of the district's computer technology coordinators.

Which teachers lose their jobs will be determined this week, and teachers will be notified via mail by week's end, Human Resources Director John Castrovinci said.

Earlier Monday, teachers union representatives met with the school district administration for six hours and offered contractual concessions they estimated would save between $3 million and $5 million.

Before the board vote, Easton Area Education Association President Kevin Deely expressed confidence a compromise had been reached.

Afterward, he expressed outrage and promised the board there would be no further attempts at cooperation from the union.

"This is disgusting!" Deely told the board. "We have worked countless hours trying to find ways to save this district money, and this is the best you can do? Cut 72 teachers?"


RESOLUTION
EASTON AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT
June 21, 2010
WHEREAS, the Board considered and approved the Superintendent’s recommendations to
curtail or alter the education program; and,
WHEREAS, the Department of Education has approved the proposed curtailment or
alteration; and,
WHEREAS, as a result of said curtailment or alteration, it is necessary to abolish certain
professional positions.
NOW, THEREFORE, move that the Board abolish the following positions pursuant to Section
11‐1124 of the Public School Code:
Easton Area High School
6.0 English Teachers
5.0 Math Teachers
5.0 Social Studies Teachers
5.0 Science Teachers
1.0 Business Teacher
1.0 Music Teacher
1.0 Art Teacher
1.0 Crisis Counselor
1.0 Learning Support Teacher (by attrition)
1.0 Advanced Placement Positions (Students will have the opportunity to take advanced
classes through our dual enrollment program in our local higher educational systems)
Easton Area Middle School
2.0 Keyboarding Teachers
2.0 Music Teachers
2.0 Study Skills Teachers
2.0 Literacy Coaches
1.0 Guidance Counselor
.5 Latin Teacher
K‐4 Elementary Schools
2.0 Classroom Teachers
6.5 Literacy Coaches (*REVISED 6/14/10)
7.0 RtI Coaches (RtI will continue with existing staffing)
2.0 Instrumental Music Teachers
K‐12 District Schools
12.5 Computer Technology Coordinators
Act 93 Positions
1.0 School to Career
3.0 Crisis Counselors
1.0 Director Accreditation for Growth
Total Positions *71.5 (REVISED)

From The Express Times