|
Sixteen Roane County teachers and seven service personnel have lost their jobs,
according to Steve Goffreda, Superintendent of Roane County Schools. The
Reduction in Force (RIF) was voted upon this week by the board, related to the loss of
100 students in the Roane system.
Student decline means a loss in funds. Goffedra said the system is losing around
$600,000 in funding this year. Another 15 teachers and six service personnel will be
transferred prior to school opening next year, in order to meet the RIF criteria.
Goffreda said he is looking at making changes in the block scheduling system,
because of its expense. "We cannot afford block scheduling at the High School
anymore," he said.
Teachers spend one-fourth of the day in preparation time and planning sessions
linked to block scheduling. "We could add 50 more courses," if block scheduling was
eliminated, he said.
Most of West Virginia's 55 counties will have a "Reduction in Force" because of
declining population.
Calhoun County is yet to put the RIF on the Board of Education docket, but reports
say Wirt County has lost 50 students.
Calhoun Superintendent Ron Blanlkenship said earlier in the school year, the decline
in student enrollment appears to have leveled in the county.
| 
