Mayfield Board Eliminates 9.5 Positions

March 18, 2011

Members of the Mayfield Board of Education abolished the equivalent of 9.5 full-time positions during its meeting on Tuesday, March 15. The cuts come as district leaders continue to craft the 2011-12 school budget proposal.

The abolished positions are part of the district’s efforts to make up for a projected loss of $1.36 million in state aid, which, combined with rising costs, has created a $1.6 million funding gap for the 2011-12 school year.

The board abolished the following positions: two elementary positions, one district art position, one district music position, a half-time elementary reading position, one high school English position, one high school social studies position, one district librarian position, a half-time guidance counselor position, and a half-time high school science position. The board also accepted a letter of retirement for one supervisor of buildings, grounds and transportation position. That position will not be filled, but the board may revisit it at another time.

The district will keep its art and music programs, with two art and two music teachers covering the district.

During a the meeting, which was attended by about 100 community members and teachers, board member Ernest Clapper said the decision was “agonizing” for the board and there are no easy decisions.

“These are not good times and these are not easy times,” he said. “This is so difficult, but there are no other options. We have outstanding positions and we are going to lose some outstanding positions.”

According to Superintendent Paul G. Williamsen, the cuts were made because of increasing costs, declining enrollment, and the significant financial constraints the district is facing for next year.

Mayfield Elementary Principal Nicholas Crisone told the audience said that although programs will not be the same next year, the teachers “will work just as hard.”