More Teachers Laid Off

By Jorge Casuso

March 14 -- In an effort to bridge a looming $13.7 million shortfall, the School Board on Thursday laid off 34 teachers, bringing to 75 the number of teachers notified they would not be returning to the district for the upcoming school year.

The latest slew of layoffs covers temps who teach Art, English, Spanish, History, Science, Math and Physical Education to students in grades K through 8, district officials said. They will join probationary teachers and a few permanent teachers who provide particular services, such as nursing, whose positions already have been cut by the board.

The district, which is required to send notices to affected teachers by March 15, had notified all 75 teachers that they would be laid off or their contracts would not be renewed.

"It's very disheartening, and it's sad to watch, very painful to watch," said Harry Keiley, President Santa Monica Malibu Classroom Teachers Association. "There are many young people starting out their careers. It's a bummer."

The teachers, however, could be recalled if voters approve a parcel tax in June that would pump $6.5 million a year into the cash-strapped district or if the City boosts its $3.5 million annual contribution to the schools when it hammers out its budget in June, or both.

"That's the hope we have," Keiley said. "Without the local funding, these folks won't be coming back. We will have a much clearer picture in June."

Keiley said he "applauded" the district's decision to make recalling the teachers a priority if the funding comes through.

On Wednesday, the teachers who have received notices will meet with union officials and an attorney, who will "take them through the process," Keiley said.

To show their solidarity the union, with the help of the PTA, will make pink ribbons - signifying the pink slips issued - that will be worn by teachers during the remainder of the school year.