No RIF letters sent
With the economy and school budget situation as it is, Greencastle Superintendent Robert Green had expressed concerns over having to send reduction in force (RIF) letter to teachers by the deadline of April 1.
However, RIF letter were not sent out. He told the Banner Graphic after Wednesday's meeting that the school chose to take its chances with stimulus money over the next couple of years. The chances of a better economy in two years should allow for the continued staffing of the schools at current levels.
"It looks like it's going to work out like we envisioned it, and it's going to save jobs, at least for the next two years," Green said.
Some schools will send RIF letters as a precautionary measure when it appears possible that the budget will not meet current staff levels. Even if a teacher receives such a letter, he or she may end up called back before the school year begins.
Green said he has never liked to do this, as the letters can, understandably, affect a teacher's performance.
"We're trying to build an education program and have continuity, and you do that with teachers," Green said. "In the past, I've only used RIF letters when I know I'm going to do it."