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Staffing analyzed
Cuts at Warren could likely occur through attritionBy Kate York, kyork@mariettatimes.com
POSTED: February 20, 2008
VINCENT — The Warren Local school district could have a few less teachers in the next school year after a recent staffing analysis.
Positions cut would likely occur through attrition.
“We do have six to seven teachers considering retiring this year,” said Warren Superintendent Tom Gibbs at a board of education meeting Tuesday. “If they choose to do so, I would recommend (to the board) that through attrition we would make reductions to our staffing.”
The staffing analysis showed the district had 17 teachers more than state standards recommend.
The state standards are based on a recommended 25:1 student-teacher ratio, while Warren officials try to keep class sizes smaller, said Gibbs.
“We try to keep our class sizes to 20:1,” he said. “Since the community passed an emergency levy for us in 1997, that’s been the goal here.”
Gibbs said the district also is in a unique position due to its geographic proportions.
“We have K-8 buildings spread out through the district, in areas with small populations,” he said. “That automatically makes some class sizes small and requires more teachers.”
The analysis showed the Warren district was on track with similar districts on its number of classified staff, which includes bus drivers, cafeteria workers and custodians.
Also at Tuesday’s board meeting:
¯ The district received a check for $15,892 as part of a settlement in a class-action lawsuit that began around 1990 against manufacturers of products that contained asbestos.
“A lot of school systems were involved in the suit,” said Warren Assistant Superintendent Steve Lyons. “Every now and then we get a check, and we never know when it’s coming.”
¯ Gibbs outlined some upcoming steps the district must take if it’s considering working with the Ohio School Facilities Commission in the future on building new schools. The district is on a priority list and its turn is expected to come up soon.
Gibbs said several free-of-cost processes have to take place in order to keep that possibility alive, including studying the impact a bond issue would have on the community, working with the OSFC on a master plan and acquiring a design and architectural firm.
Gibbs said he is currently working on the plan with the OSFC and begins interviews with design firms in early March.
Positions cut would likely occur through attrition.
“We do have six to seven teachers considering retiring this year,” said Warren Superintendent Tom Gibbs at a board of education meeting Tuesday. “If they choose to do so, I would recommend (to the board) that through attrition we would make reductions to our staffing.”
The staffing analysis showed the district had 17 teachers more than state standards recommend.
The state standards are based on a recommended 25:1 student-teacher ratio, while Warren officials try to keep class sizes smaller, said Gibbs.
“We try to keep our class sizes to 20:1,” he said. “Since the community passed an emergency levy for us in 1997, that’s been the goal here.”
Gibbs said the district also is in a unique position due to its geographic proportions.
“We have K-8 buildings spread out through the district, in areas with small populations,” he said. “That automatically makes some class sizes small and requires more teachers.”
The analysis showed the Warren district was on track with similar districts on its number of classified staff, which includes bus drivers, cafeteria workers and custodians.
Also at Tuesday’s board meeting:
¯ The district received a check for $15,892 as part of a settlement in a class-action lawsuit that began around 1990 against manufacturers of products that contained asbestos.
“A lot of school systems were involved in the suit,” said Warren Assistant Superintendent Steve Lyons. “Every now and then we get a check, and we never know when it’s coming.”
¯ Gibbs outlined some upcoming steps the district must take if it’s considering working with the Ohio School Facilities Commission in the future on building new schools. The district is on a priority list and its turn is expected to come up soon.
Gibbs said several free-of-cost processes have to take place in order to keep that possibility alive, including studying the impact a bond issue would have on the community, working with the OSFC on a master plan and acquiring a design and architectural firm.
Gibbs said he is currently working on the plan with the OSFC and begins interviews with design firms in early March.
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