Troubled North Forest ISD laying off 90 teachers

Even more job cuts likely as district tries to reduce potential $17 million shortfall

By ERICKA MELLON Copyright 2008 Houston Chronicle

March 26, 2008, 10:56PM

The financial crisis in the North Forest school district is about to get personal for some 90 teachers who will get pink slips in coming days as part of a major staff-reduction plan.
In a rare unanimous vote, trustees agreed late Tuesday not renew the teachers' contracts next school year as they work under intense pressure from the Texas Education Agency to reduce a looming $17 million budget shortfall.
Even more job cuts, expected to involve principals, nurses, counselors and central office employees, are likely in coming weeks, said Interim Superintendent William Jones. Already, layoffs have affected about 10 percent of employees, based on data from the district.
Betty Robinson, president of the local teachers' association, said she has accepted the fact that the district's staff needs to shrink.
''I know we've got to lose some people to keep the district alive," said Robinson, a 30-year veteran of North Forest, who also runs its American Federation of Teachers chapter. ''I hope they are keeping the very best, people who are dedicated to the children."

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