Paterson teachers rally against projected layoffs
Hundreds of staffers rallied outside the Board of Education Monday evening before the budget public hearing, chanting "save our staff."
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Paterson staffers learned Monday that 39 teachers and 89 total staffers will be laid off, and more than 200 total positions cut as Paterson Public Schools aims to balance its budget.
Hundreds of staffers rallied outside the Board of Education Monday evening before the budget public hearing, chanting "save our staff."
Even when the public hearing began, which seats about 100 guests, dozens more waited outside holding their signs to the open windows.
The superintendent has pointed to rising costs, specifically healthcare, special education and transportation. She has also stated a focus on minimizing the academic impact of any cuts.
“Overall, this budget represents a balanced and responsible approach that supports our students while maintaining fiscal discipline," said Superintendent Dr. Laurie Newell.
“If there's a place that needs education, it's Paterson," said Tom Kelly, president of the Passaic County Central Labor Council. "The way people find their way out of poverty is through education.”
The tax levy is set to go up 8% - the district says that’s $143 for the average assessed home.
Paterson’s charter schools are expanding, and funding for them is legally required in the public-school budget. The district received more than $35 million in increased state funding, but the district says about three-quarters of it is going toward the charter school expansion.
Public school teachers fear steep cuts on their end. The superintendent’s cabinet had previously said the “worst case scenario” was hundreds of jobs lost.
The district’s test scores are below state averages but have improved more recently.
“Those scores you're talking about really is an indicator of how well our staff interact with our students, how well we're making improvements, and we would hate to see any regress to those improvements based upon any sort of cut," said Paterson Education Association president John McEntee.
The 89 staffers to be laid off will receive their notices Monday. The rest of the positions will be cut through attrition and eliminating vacancies.
