Apr. 24, 2024 8:30p; correction on total number of employees--not fTEs.
(WGTD)---Kenosha Unified has been mostly able to avoid laying off long-term employees in its downsizing process that includes the closing of six schools.
A total of nearly 220 full-time equivalent positions are being eliminated, according to district spokesperson Tanya Ruder. The FTE number includes 132 from the ranks of teachers, 40 educational support professionals, 14 administrative support personnel, 18 from facilities and 15 from the administrative, supervisory and technical personnel category.
Many of the positions were funded by COVID relief dollars. Some of the other employees affected were working under temporary letters of appointment.
No matter what, Ruder says the personnel reduction is a painful process for those losing their jobs as well as others who'll need to pick up some of the slack next year.
The layoffs will take effect at the end of the school year.
As of today, with the soon-to-be-eliminated positions still included, the district has a total number of employees of 3,825.
It's possible that some of the employees who are losing their jobs will be able to be recalled as vacancies occur if prerequisite qualifications are met, according to Ruder.
In addition to the six schools that are closing, one is merging with another and one is changing locations.
The 'right-sizing' was prompted by projected budget deficits and declines in enrollment due in part to a falling birthrate.
The number of layoffs would've been higher had it not been for natural attrition, including retirements and resignations.
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